Local ecological knowledge and multidisciplinary approach lead to discovery of hidden biodiversity in the deep ocean of Labrador, Canada

nternational commitments to preserve global biodiversity target the protection of 30% of marine habitats by 2030. The lack of even basic knowledge of many marine areas (e.g., deep oceans) combined with short timelines require integrative knowledge and multidisciplinary techniques to be used to effic...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecology and Society
Main Authors: Coté, David, Neves, Barbara, Angnatok, Joey, Bartlett, Wilfred, Edinger, Evan N, Gullage, Lauren, Laing, Rodd, Normandeau, Alexandre, Hayes, Vonda, Sherwood, Owen, Geoffroy, Maxime
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Resilience Alliance 2023
Subjects:
Canada
Hanging Gardens
Makkovik
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10037/31730
https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-14325-280404
Description
Summary:nternational commitments to preserve global biodiversity target the protection of 30% of marine habitats by 2030. The lack of even basic knowledge of many marine areas (e.g., deep oceans) combined with short timelines require integrative knowledge and multidisciplinary techniques to be used to efficiently identify areas worthy of protection. Here we outline a case study of the discovery of the Makkovik Hanging Gardens found in a deep-water trough in coastal Labrador, Canada. The area is of ecological significance because it supports high densities of vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator taxa, including the gorgonian coral Primnoa resedaeformis on portions of its vertical submarine walls. This study illustrates the exploratory process initiated by Nunatsiavut, which integrated local knowledge, scientific models, and a variety of technologies (such as remotely operated vehicles and multibeam sonar) to discover deep-water hidden biodiversity toward the advancement of both local Indigenous and global conservation goals.

Similar Items