Deep Ocean Research

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This programme will use deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities to examine diversity distribution in these unique ecosystems. Objectives include:1. Compare diversity distribution along tectonic features that have markedly different geological settings2. Test hypotheses based on oceanographic currents of faunal connectivity at isolated vent sites.3. Execute high level functional diversity comparisons among three Pacific biogeographic regions.Anticipated accomplishments: 1. Diversity discovery in western Pacific vent communities; 2. A global collaboration to analyze ecosystem function at hot vents and the threats from mining; and 3. A framework of methods, applications and assessment to contribute to vent ecosystem management and conservation initiatives.