New project on hydrothermal vent systems: law and science

NILOS (Utrecht University) and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) will conduct trans-disciplinary research in a joint project entitled “Protecting deep seabed hydrothermal vent fields through area-based management tools”.

The development of the project proposal was led by Sabine Gollner (NIOZ) and Erik Molenaar (NILOS) in response to a call for proposals aimed at intensifying cooperation between Utrecht University and NIOZ. The project will take place during 2021-2023 and will, among other things, involve two Postdocs – one on environmental science and one on the international law of the sea; one or more research expeditions to the northern Mid Atlantic Ridge; engagement with stakeholders (governments, industry and non-governmental organisations (NGOs); and participation in meetings of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Protection against mining impacts

Trans-disciplinary research within environmental science and international law will assess the role of area-based management tools (ABMTs) in protecting hydrothermal vent fields against mining impacts. The research will investigate ecological connectivity at vent field scale to determine the necessary dimensions of ABMTs, and how these outcomes are best integrated in the regulatory framework of the ISA. The Netherlands government and others may use the research outcomes to ensure ISA regulation meets the highest possible environmental and biodiversity standards.