TwinDeeps

Twinning deep-ocean exploration and observation capacity for sustainable development

Covering 90% of the marine environment volume and 67% of the planet’s surface area, the deep sea is Earth’s vastest and yet most unexplored biome.
In Portugal, the deep sea represents 98% of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, covering approximately 1.7 million km2, which corresponds to more than 18X Portugal’s terrestrial surface. However, Portugal’s extensive maritime area and culture haven’t fully translated into exploration of its deep sea. This is mainly due to limited access to costly exploration and observation infrastructures and under-developed human capacity, particularly compared to other European countries.

Main goal

Increase the research and innovation capacity of CIIMAR and, consequently, that of the Widening country of Portugal in the field of deep-sea exploration and observation.

Specific goals

1. Assess Portugal’s human and technological capacity for deep-sea exploration and observation; and establish a network of practitioners and annual forum, to co-design a roadmap for the future.

2. Raise CIIMAR’s staff research profile and excellence, across all career levels, via training, networking and mentoring.

3. Foster international collaborations, through global networks, and enable long-term joint R&I activities in deep-sea research.

4. Develop and implement an institutional framework in view of strengthening CIIMAR’s big data management capabilities.

5. Promote and enhance public understanding of the ecological importance of deep-sea ecosystems and raise awareness of the need for its sustainable management and conservation.