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
Townhall on UK Arctic Ocean contribution to International Polar Year 32/33
The Arctic is one of the most rapidly-changing regions on our planet, with impacts on global sea-level rise, changes to our climate and weather patterns, and threats to our shared biodiversity and ecosystem services. With the international community rapidly mobilising towards the International Polar Year 32/33, and with new international programmes and initiatives now being shaped, it is timely for the UK Ocean Science community to come together and articulate what its unique offerings could be to Arctic research and technology.
This hybrid 2-day meeting, to be held at NOC Southampton, is intended to start this process. Recognising the Arctic Oceans role in global Earth and Human systems, anticipated outcomes include a high-level shaping of what the UK Arctic Ocean community would like to achieve over the course of the IPY, stimulation of new collaborations and proposals for grand Arctic challenges and a baseline from which wider integration with terrestrial, atmospheric and cryosphere communities, both in the UK and overseas, can be built. Discussions will continue in diverse forums, including the UK Arctic Science Meeting in September and at Challenger 2026.
This action is supported by the UK Arctic Office and UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership
Further details and meeting registration link will be circulated in April together with a questionnaire to help shape the agenda and discussion
In the meantime…SAVE THE DATE
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.