UK Decade Programmes

Challenger 150 is a global cooperative devoted to delivering the science we need to sustainably manage the deep ocean. At its heart is the development of deep-ocean expertise, particularly in economically-developing nations, in order to achieve a global generation of stewards working together to maintain the integrity of deep-ocean ecosystems. Furthermore, through supporting the development of new technologies and the expansion of observations, Challenger 150 aims to advance understanding of the diversity, distribution, function and services provided by deep-ocean biota; and to use this new knowledge to educate, inspire, and promote better management and sustainable use of the deep ocean.

JETZON focuses on the ocean region spanning 200m to 1000m depth. This contains the largest and least exploited fish stocks of the world's oceans. The Twilight Zone also plays a major role in global biogeochemical cycles and the sequestration of carbon dioxide. However, it is poorly understood. This ignorance is dangerous. The Twilight Zone is under multiple stresses, including fishing, deep-sea mining, climate change and proposed CO2 mitigation methods. With the majority of the Twilight Zone outside national boundaries, its size and inaccessibility mean that its study is only possible through coordinated international action. This is the aim of JETZON.

GO-BC will enhance understanding of the ocean-climate nexus and generate new knowledge and solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. Recognising the multiple roles BC ecosystems play beyond mitigation, including adaptation and resilience to the effects of climate change, allows GO-BC to address climate responses comprehensively, while supporting people and biodiversity. GO-BC actions will go beyond the traditional focus on coastal ecosystems to deliver new outcomes across estuarine-coastal-open ocean environments. GO-BC will address SDGs 13, 14 and 17 through enhanced scientific cooperation at tall levels, including: (1) co-design and implement new research to promote Nature-based Solutions for better ocean sustainability; (2) enhance global to regional collaborative efforts; (3) coordinate capacity building in blue carbon science; and (4) communicate and deliver outputs to policy makers and communities.