Conserving marine life: Insights from deep-sea excursions
Covering 70% of the planet and home to a stunning array of marine life, the oceans play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting the livelihoods of millions around the world. “Life Below Water”, referring to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, also features prominently on the global environmental agenda and is one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 14).
For the past decade, Professor Qiu Jianwen, Associate Head of the Department of Biology at HKBU, has been a dedicated champion and avid researcher of marine biodiversity and its conservation. His expertise and experience have earned him the role of the co-Chief Scientist of numerous high-profile deep-sea excursions. In August 2024, Professor Qiu ventured to the Western Pacific to study seamounts, or underwater mountains, on the much-celebrated Jiaolong submersible that can dive to a depth of over 7,000 metres. During the 45-day expedition, Professor Qiu was joined by Dr Maeva Perez, Research Associate of the Department of Biology at HKBU and an international team of researchers and scientists from Mainland China and Hong Kong, Australia, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Colombia.
The enchanting world of glass sponges
One of the most captivating aspects of Professor Qiu's expeditions is discovering the diverse marine life at the ocean’s depths. During his latest excursion, he encountered the glass sponges and their inhabitants. Glass sponges thrive in areas that are often shrouded in darkness, with depths exceeding 200 metres. The glass sponges capture and ingest small particles, forming temporary “mouths” to engulf their prey. Larger organisms, too, can fall prey to some of these demosponges which are carnivorous and impale them in a surprising display of predation. “When we think of sponges, we often think of soft, harmless organisms. However, in the deep sea, glass sponges tell a different story,” said Professor Qiu.
Other glass sponges are hosts to shrimp couples which nest comfortably inside them, in a phenomenon that he initially took for a myth. “The idea of these shrimps living until eternity in the glass sponge is rather poetic. In fact, one type of glass sponge, is named the Venus' flower basket in English and ‘偕老同穴’ in Chinese, meaning being together till eternity!” Professor Qiu reflected.
Dr Perez also recalled her first experience exploring the deep ocean. Her mother’s initial concerns about safety were quickly dispelled by the professionalism of the team. “Once I was in the submarine, my face was glued to the window. It was a dream come true!” she enthused.
The urgency of sustainable practices
The glass sponges, covered with vibrant corals and crinoids, can grow to three metres tall, while the seamounts tower between 3,000 to 4,000 metres above the seafloor and serve as sanctuaries for various marine species. To-date, less than 5% of the world’s seamounts have been explored, making their protection all the more critical. In light of the increasing deep-sea mining and deep-sea fishing activities, the challenge lies in how to protect deep-sea organisms. Professor Qiu stressed the importance of establishing regulations, designating protected areas, and understanding the ecological dynamics of deep-sea life.
“The deep sea is a shared heritage of humanity and should not be overexploited,” asserted both Professor Qiu and Dr Perez.
The implications of deep-sea mining extend beyond ecological concerns. As modern technology relies increasingly on materials sourced from the ocean, such as lithium for batteries, the extraction processes can severely impact both shallow and deep-sea environments. Professor Qiu cautioned, “If we don’t care about life in the sea, it will be gone.”
On a more reassuring note, one of the custodians of the oceans, the International Seabed Authority, is tasked with safeguarding the ocean from exploitation or any activities that might harm the marine environment. Contracts for deep-sea exploration and mining are granted on condition they are done in a sustainable manner.
Implications for research and education
Professor Qiu also highlighted how deep-sea research could strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international research hub by attracting academic attention and funding. “If our work appears in high-impact publications, it helps improve the University’s reputation, which ultimately benefits our students and academia,” he explained.
In terms of educational opportunities, Professor Qiu emphasised the importance of training the next generation of biologists. His students, including PhD candidates, are not just passive learners; they actively participate in expeditions and research projects. “Even undergraduates can get involved in small projects. The skills they acquire are transferrable and relevant to other study streams in a true transdisciplinary spirit.”
Appreciation of life and nature
Professor Qiu admitted that seeing deep-sea creatures in their natural habitat challenges the conventional notions of biology and creation. “Seeing organisms survive in their challenging deep-sea habitat has made me appreciate life more. There is a sense of responsibility to maximise our research output, so as not to waste the marine samples and do justice to the organisms we examine.”
Dr Perez echoed this sentiment, noting that deep-sea research can provoke philosophical questions about humans’ place in the natural world.
After all, the exploration of marine life goes beyond the quest for knowledge; it is a vital undertaking for safeguarding the oceans and their fragile ecosystems. Through their tireless research and advocacy, Professor Qiu, Dr Perez and countless marine champions all over the world have helped unlock the ocean’s mysteries, while putting the imperative for sustainable development at the forefront of public awareness and policy-making.
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