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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 17h

🌊 Big win for the #DeepSea
At the #IUCNCongress members voted to adopt:
✅ Motion 032 – Protecting seamounts and vulnerable marine ecosystems from destructive practices
✅ Motion 035 – Protecting mesopelagic ecosystem integrity

Thanks to those who voted science into policy 👏

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 1d

📍 At #IUCNWorldCongress?
Stop by the DOSI booth 137 to explore our new policy brief on the ocean twilight zone, which provides evidential supports of Motion 035 on Protection of Mesopelagic Ecosystem Integrity.
buff.ly/YTtPQXx

Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 1d

Our science recommends:
1️⃣ A precautionary approach to all new twilight-zone activities
2️⃣ Investment in research & monitoring
3️⃣ Integration into High Seas governance
4️⃣ Collaboration & capacity building

Let science guide policy! buff.ly/YTtPQXx
#DOSI #IUCNCongress

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 1d

The mesopelagic (200–1,000m) links surface & deep-ocean life regulating carbon, feeding fisheries & sustaining biodiversity, yet:
🔹 87% of experts say mining impacts are poorly understood
🔹 72% say climate impacts are unclear
🔹 75% say science is not integrated into governance

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 1d

The #IUCNCongress is considering Motion 035: Protection of Mesopelagic Ecosystem Integrity a vital step for climate, biodiversity & the ocean.

DOSI’s new policy brief supports this call for precautionary action.
🔗 buff.ly/YTtPQXx

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

In the forum plenary, Kristina Gjerde and Synchronicity Earth announced the Ocean Stewardship Award to empower future ocean leaders, with the first recipients to be announced at the inaugural BBNJ COP.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

They joined a panel with Juan Carlos Navarro, Kate Brown, and Cymie Payne to explore how science, policy, and traditional knowledge can guide ocean stewardship. Kristina Gjerde mentioned the BBNJ Agreement as a “toolbox” for protection, emphasising the need for proper use.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

In the session “Entering the Ocean Twilight Zone,” Ilysa Iglesias and Kristina Gjerde presented findings on the mesopelagic zone from our Fisheries Working Group. 🐟 👏

📸 Ilysa presenting

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

🌊 DOSI is at #IUCNCongress with a delegation and booth, sharing deep-sea science and policy insights. The message so far is clear: science, knowledge, and collective action are essential for the ocean and those who depend on it.
🔑 highlights so far 🧵 👇

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

The workshop focused on:
🔹 Deep-sea knowledge gaps
🔹 Marine spatial planning
🔹 Best practices for sustainable development

Insights will inform a science-based framework for data-poor regions helping guide responsible ocean energy growth.

Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

Last week, DOSI’s Offshore Energy WG brought together scientists, policymakers & industry to chart a sustainable path forward. Colombia is expanding its offshore energy ambitions and protecting deep-sea ecosystems must go hand in hand.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

📸 a piglet squid (Cranchiidae), collected from 707 m during NOAA’s Papahānaumokuākea ROV expedition. buff.ly/mTn4gw3

Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping (EX2503) - NOAA Ocean Exploration

From April 8-May 5, NOAA Ocean Exploration will lead a 28-day remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and mapping expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to explore deep waters in and around…

buff.ly

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 2d

🌊 Have you read the latest Deep-Sea Round-Up
Don't miss:
🔹 How sharks could be affected by deep-sea mining
🔹 The effects of microplastics on benthic biochemistry

📬 Read the 9 Oct issue and subscribe to get the latest deep-sea science in your inbox every week! buff.ly/4Mn2gmz

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 5d

🔹️Dr. Sylvia Earle honoured the late Dame Jane Goodall with her timeless messages of hope: "Knowing is the key to caring.” and “Nature is resilient but not infinitely so.” 💙

We look forward to connecting with everyone working to ensure a healthy ocean for future generations.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 5d

🔹️ IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar inspired the audience with a message of perseverance: “We do not give up, because we trust in science and traditional wisdom.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 5d

🔹️ The President of Panama echoed the call against deep-sea mining and urged nations not to hide behind international treaties to avoid national responsibilities.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 5d

🔹️ IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak reminded us that “the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of nature are inseparable.” Despite unprecedented understanding of our dependence on nature, humanity continues to act as if we are apart from it.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 5d

🔹️President of Palau called for countries to support the BBNJ Agreement and reiterated the nation’s support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, warning that its consequences are ones “we cannot afford.” The message was clear: “Let data and science determine our path forward.”

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 5d

🌊 It’s been an inspiring first day here in Abu Dhabi as DOSI joins global leaders, scientists, and advocates at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Our booth is open come visit us to talk all things deep ocean, science, and sustainability!

🔑 messages from Day 1 🧵👇

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 7d

Members of DOSI’s Task Force for the Conservation of Deep-Ocean Biodiversity engage with IPBES to ensure that the deep ocean is considered in discussions.

Listen to Episode 2 of #ThinkDeep! where Anna Metaxas discusses the importance of the IPBES buff.ly/NyQMyIY

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 7d

Please join us in welcoming the new Executive Secretary of #IPBES, who steps into the role with deep gratitude to Dr. Anne Larigauderie for her exceptional leadership and to Neville Ash for his stewardship as Officer in Charge. 👏

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 7d

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Dame Jane Goodall

Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 7d

💚 We join the global community in mourning the passing of Dame Jane Goodall, an extraordinary scientist and conservationist whose work transformed our understanding of the natural world. Our Executive Director, Maria Baker was fortunate to meet Jane a few years ago, a moment that remains cherished.

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 20d

🌊 Have you heard the news that the BBNJ Agreement entering into force in January 2026?

▶️ In case you're wondering what this means for the #DeepSea watch our video on the #BBNJ Agreement buff.ly/BXEYZd9

💡 Learn more about the work of DOSI and the BBNJ here: buff.ly/VDjrs6u

High Seas, High Stakes: What’s the BBNJ Agreement?

The landmark BBNJ Agreement, adopted in June 2023, provides an opportunity to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The BBNJ Agreement is…

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Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative @deepstewardship.bsky.social · 22d

🌊 Big news for the ocean 🌊
The #BBNJ Agreement has reached 60 ratifications triggering entry into force in Jan 2026! A huge milestone, but more work lies ahead, building institutions, rules & financing to protect biodiversity.
Learn more about the work of DOSI and the BBNJ: buff.ly/VDjrs6u

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