Mesopelagic Mysteries: Regulating an Emerging Resource Amid Uncertainty

Mesopelagic species, which inhabit depths between 200 to 1000 m, have regained attention as potential new resources to replace and supplement the use of traditionally overfished species. Research and exploratory fishing are ongoing, yet much on the nature of mesopelagic organisms and their roles within ecosystems and the carbon cycle remains to be understood. Building on recent reports and reflecting on fisheries developments, this article examines some of the unique characteristics of the mesopelagic zone and the existing international legal framework to stimulate legal debate on the sustainable management of mesopelagic fish stocks in the high seas.