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The Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) aims to transform our understanding of the planet's largest ecosystem, the deep sea. Through generation of new knowledge, and innovation in the availability and flow of data and expertise, SSKI will strengthen the scientific foundation for effective protection and management of the deep sea in the international seabed area (the Area).
Launched in 2022, SSKI will describe over one thousand new species from the regions of the Area that are currently being explored for mineral resources and may be targeted for future exploitation. The initiative and the new knowledge it will generate will enable scientists to create maps of life on the seafloor and help us understand and manage the possible effects of anthropogenic activities on deep-sea ecosystems.
New genomic and image libraries, combined with artificial intelligence and app-based field tools will be developed for assessing deep-sea biodiversity. Along with building capacity, SSKI will create a lasting legacy of knowledge of the deep sea and the deep seabed, benefiting humankind as a whole.
DID YOU KNOW?
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SSKI is ISA’s new flagship initiative to support implementation of the ISA Action Plan for Marine Scientific Research in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and its six strategic research priorities, adopted by all 168 Members in 2020.
New knowledge
Integrative and innovative tools
Effective data sharing and use
Taxonomic capacity
Networking and outreach
SSKI brings together leading experts and institutions in deep-sea biodiversity research, monitoring and management to develop new methods and knowledge, creating an unprecedented framework for sustainable development of activities in the Area.