From Exploration to Stewardship: Can Seamount Exploration Balance the Blue Economy and Deep‑Sea Protection?

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12/10/2025
11:00 - 12:30
CS-Nature-Climate-People Nexus , Híbrido (presencial con transmisión en directo)
Sesión con interpretación

Por qué asistir

Join experts debating how to align ocean financing, governance and exploration away from destructive practices toward a precautionary, ecosystem‑based blue economy and discovery. The audience will obtain insights on current market opportunities, research priorities, scientific gaps, and policy frameworks to guide protection of vulnerable deep‑sea seamount ecosystems.

Descripción de la sesión

This debate centers on whether current commercial activities on seamounts can shift from destructive to sustainable practices that coexist with and enhance protection of marine biodiversity. Panelists include an ocean finance expert, a deep-sea conservation advocate, deep-sea scientists, and biotechnology experts. An ocean policy expert will inform us about regulatory frameworks, realities, and challenges. The debate will highlight the unique ecological value and vulnerability of seamount ecosystems, illuminating the risks of irreversible impacts. The panel will explore pathways and trade-offs to enable well-governed blue economy initiatives that drive economic growth and innovation while protecting seamount ecosystems. The panel will also discuss how emerging blue economies could enhance the value of seamount ecosystems by transforming conservation needs into economic assets rather than viewing them as constraints. The discussion aims to educate the audience about current realities and best practices and to inspire new solutions by integrating facts and diverse stakeholder perspectives.
Organised by
OceanQuest Foundation to Support International Deep Ocean Discovery, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology logo
OceanQuest Foundation to Support International Deep Ocean Discovery, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Asociaciones
European Regional Office logo
European Regional Office
World Commission on Protected Areas logo
World Commission on Protected Areas
Species Survival Commission logo
Species Survival Commission
Global Ocean Trust logo
Global Ocean Trust
Deep Ocean Stewardship DOSI logo
Deep Ocean Stewardship DOSI
MENA Oceans Initiative logo
MENA Oceans Initiative
National Oceanography Centre NOC logo
National Oceanography Centre NOC
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST logo
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST

Speaker

Speaker Torsten THIELE

Founder, Global Ocean Trust

Speaker Elin THOMAS

Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative

Speaker Julia SIGWART

Professor, IUCN Species Survival Commission 2021-2025

Speaker Kristina GJERDE

Senior High Seas Advisor, IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law 2021-2025

Speaker Martin VISBECK

CEO OceanQuest, OceanQuest

Speaker Alexandra MYSTIKOU

Head of Commercial R&D, M42

Moderator

Speaker Alex ROGERS

Deputy Director of Strategic Science Programmes and Partnerships, National Oceanography Centre UK

Speaker Anuradha BHATTACHARYA

Director - MENA Oceans Initiative, Goumbook