Deep-Sea Ecosystems
Technological advances and increasing demand for resources are ushering in a new era of human exploitation of the deep-sea that will impact life in the deep oceans in various ways. It is therefore imperative to increase our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems in line with these anthropogenic and climatic impacts. While there are a number of international fora that allow deep-sea scientists to meet and discuss research, there is no such national body. The Deep-Sea Ecosystems SIG provides a platform for deep-sea researchers in the UK to meet every year and discuss national issues in relation to deep-sea science. Ultimately the SIG gives a voice to the UK deep-sea biological sciences community. 
How can you get involved in the SIG?
You can automatically subscribe to the Deep-Sea Ecosystems email list by sending an email:
To: listserv@jiscmail.ac.uk
Subject: BLANK
Message: SUBSCRIBE DEEPSEAUK Firstname Lastname
Then follow the confirmation instructions. This list is used by members for topical discussion and to update on SIG activities, with minimal spamming.
The SIG chair is Dr James Bell (Cefas).
Deep-Sea Ecosystems SIG Meeting 2025
Dates: 15-16 July 2025
Location: Dove Marine Lab, Newcastle (remote attendance TBC)
Meeting convenors: Dr James Bell (Cefas), chair of the DSE-SIG, and Dr Will Reid (Newcastle University)
Contacts: james.bell@cefas.gov.uk & william.reid@newcastle.ac.uk
More details to follow in the new year! 
Latest News
Potential Availability of NERC Ship Time During the 25/26 Programme Year
The NERC Marine Facilities Programme for 2025/2026 for the RRS Discovery and the RRS James Cook has been published on the Marine Facilities Planning website.
The RRS Discovery programme currently contains a 79 day alongside slot between the 2nd of November 2025 and the 19th of January 2026, which is available for science delivery if funded science projects can make use of this time. Due to the location of the vessel, the ship is most likely to be able to deliver fieldwork in the North and East Atlantic regions. Some support for science capability within the National Marine Equipment Pool is potentially available, although there is no capacity for use of autonomous vehicles or remotely operated vehicles. Any fieldwork within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) will need the appropriate diplomatic clearance submitted to coastal states at least 6 months in advance, and to NMF with sufficient lead time for processing via the FCDO.
If interested in making use of this ship time, please contact NERC Marine Planning (marineplanning@nerc.ukri.org) ASAP to start discussions.
THE MARINE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD – CAN YOU HELP?
The Marine Facilities Advisory Board advises the National Oceanography Centre on marine facilities and services, including the Natural Environment Research Council’s National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP), the British Oceanographic Data Centre and the British Ocean Sediment Core Research Facility.
NOC Association AGM 2025
NOC Association (NOCA) AGM 2025
The 14th AGM of the NOC Association will be held on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May 2025. This free, on-line event will take place on Zoom, across two consecutive mornings, each starting at 10:00 and ending at 12:30. Although discussion topics are being finalised, we will focus on national capability (NC) science, ships, and autonomous vehicles, and how the community can engage. There will be an update on AtlantiS and on the new marine science scoping group. All are warmly welcome to join. To participate, please complete your registration here. For enquiries: Jackie Pearson, Secretary to NOCA: jfpea@noc.ac.uk