Protecting the Deep Sea

In 2006, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on States and regional fisheries management organizations to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) such as cold-water corals, seamounts and hydrothermal vents, from bottom fishing on the high seas. The resolution required that nations conduct impact assessments of high seas bottom fisheries and prevent ‘significant’ adverse impacts on VMEs and the long-term sustainability of deep-sea fish stocks. This project evaluates the actions taken by nations and international management institutions to adhere to the UN General Assembly resolution to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.