High-seas Biodiversity and Genetic Resources: Science and Policy Questions

This is a very eventful year for the conservation and study of highseas biodiversity, with developments that put relevant policy and scientific directions at a significant crossroads. In February, the ocean division of the United Nations (UN) reconvened a special working group on marine genetic resources and biodiversity. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) holds its 10th Conference of the Parties in October; it is expected to decide on high-seas conservation and ecological criteria, building on the work of recent CBD expert workshops and the Global Oceans Biodiversity Initiative. The context for deep-seas scientific research also changes in October with the culmination of the decadelong Census of Marine Life (COML), and marine scientists are eager to continue the momentum of discovery that the COML spawned. Moreover, by proclaiming 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity, the UN garners even greater attention for these high-seas policy and scientific efforts. With these timely developments come important conservation, equity, and research questions: How do we High-seas Biodiversity and Genetic Resources: Science and Policy Questions