Scientists from National Oceanography Centre (NOC) showcased the work of BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance® at the 17th Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, one of the world’s leading conferences for deep-sea science, held at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology from 12-17 January 2025.
The NOC team presented research demonstrating how offshore industry infrastructure can support expanded observations of biodiversity in the deep ocean and BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance® PhD student Lucy Harris presented an assessment of environmental considerations associated with the offshore green energy transition. Her work highlighted the importance of effective marine spatial planning, nature-inclusive design, and cross-sector collaboration in balancing growing energy demands with biodiversity protection to support a sustainable future ocean.
The international symposium, widely recognised as one of the leading gatherings for deep-sea science, brought together experts from around the world to explore the latest advances in biodiversity, ecological protection, genomics, climate change, conservation, and deep-sea environmental policy and management. The 2025 event marked the first time the symposium had been hosted in Asia, creating new opportunities for collaboration between researchers from 40 different nations across the globe and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Representing BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance® at the conference were scientists Lucy Harris and Andrew Gates, who delivered talks as well as poster presentations highlighting ongoing research into deep-sea ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity conservation. Their contributions also focused on the impacts of human activity in deep-ocean environments, as well as the importance of scientific collaboration through improved data sharing and standardisation.
By maintaining a strong presence at a globally respected scientific forum, BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance® demonstrated its commitment to advancing deep-sea research and fostering global scientific alliances. Participation in the symposium ensured that the Alliance’s work and expertise were visible within key scientific discussions shaping the future of ocean research, conservation and environmental management. The event also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships, build new connections and contribute to emerging conversations around the future of deep-sea science.
Dr Andrew Gates, Lead Scientists for BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance®, said: “This international gathering of deep-sea scientists helps researchers share knowledge, spark new ideas, and strengthen our collective capacity to understand and protect the deep ocean. Novel observation approaches like that of the Alliance can further expand our capability to observe the deep ocean”.
