Namibian deep-sea benthos collection project: history and progress

Abstract

Despite the wealth of expert fisheries scientists in Namibia, the lack of deep-sea benthic (seafloor) ecologists and taxonomists poses a problem in meeting requirements for monitoring current and proposed impacts in the deep-water environment of Namibia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In light of this issue, a collaboration between benthic ecologists Bronwen Currie (Namibian Ministry for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Namibia), Maria Baker (University of Southampton, UK and co-lead for INDEEP and DOSI – global networks for deep-sea science and policy) and Lisa Levin (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA and co-lead for DOSI) resulted in the organisation and convening of a 10-day workshop in April 2016 in Swakopmund, Namibia at the National Marine Information and Research Centre of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources headquarters. This event attempted to inspire scientists to engage in benthic biodiversity assessment efforts. The workshop considered not only the fundamental principles of benthic ecology but also addressed the main concerns of a variety of deep-sea anthropogenic activities. The event was funded by INDEEP, the International Seabed Authority Endowment Fund and MFMR. Funding enabled participation of 28 individuals, mostly from Namibia but also representatives from Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritania and Angola. Their experience spanned sectors and disciplines, although most were related to fisheries in some way, and included an Executive Director of the Centre of Studies and Development of Fisheries, Senior Fisheries Biologists, Head of Data Management, PhD Students, Fisheries Research Technicians and Research Scientists