Lead institution:
Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology
The mesopelagic ecosystem residing 200m to 1,000m depth serves as the mainstay of the marine food web in the open sea and the global carbon cycle.
Yet, understanding of its structure and function and related bio-physico-chemical processes are limited. This initiative aims to understand the mesopelagic ecosystem in the Pacific in terms of species diversity, distribution and biomass, food web connectivity among epi-, meso- and bathy-pelagic regions, biological pump and carbon flux, and water column mixing and nutrient recycling. Activities will include joint exploration and data sharing, capacity building, engagement of public and policy makers for conservation of the mesopelagic.
Start Date: 01/01/2021
End Date: 31/12/2030
This project is hosted by the programme Joint Exploration of the Twilight Zone Ocean Network.
Contact
Youn-Ho Lee: ylee@kiost.ac.kr