Marine Conservation

At present, the principal focus within this theme area is investigations at the Endeavour Hot Vents which are a designated Marine Protected Area. For several decades, the Endeavour vent faunas have been of keen interest to Canadian, US, and international researchers, with knowledge based on periodic short submersible and ROV investigations. NEPTUNE Canada instrumentation at the Main Endeavour and Mothra vent sites, as well as four 250 m moorings above the seafloor, provide continuous real-time data on the physical, chemical, geological and biological environmental conditions, changes and events that are occuring over the next 25 years. This will better quantify processes and relationships, leading to improved policy and management decisions affecting the MPA.