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THE BLUE ECONOMY AND FINANCE | 55

What are the specific consequences we can Is there not a risk that seabed mapping might
expect for the Mediterranean region? lead to exploitation of land? Which measures
Oceanography is characterised by a multidiscipli- can be used to regulate the gathering of
nary approach. This agreement will consolidate col- knowledge for sustainable use of resources?
laborations on national waters and the high seas, Effectively, cutting-edge research often poses the
between the community of marine researchers - risk of unwanted consequences derived from the
such as “oceanography experts” (including biolo- misuse of new knowledge. The question of social
gists, chemists, geochemists, geologists, sedimen- and ethical responsibility in research is a very topi-
tologists, geophysicians) and “atmosphere experts” cal subject.
- and communities of engineers and hydrography
vessel professionals. The sharing of knowledge In terms of mapping the ocean floor, and in par-
and services, as well as infrastructure (including ticular following the recent implementation of new
oceanography vessels) in the Mediterranean will mineral resource usage programmes in deep sea
allow us to make significant progress and optimise areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), we are
the associated costs. helping to develop increased legal protection which
involves the International Sea Bed Authority first and
Which marine research areas will be prioritised foremost, reflecting global efforts like the Montego
by CIESM? Bay Convention and, for the Mediterranean region,
All current CIESM programmes should benefit from the Barcelona Convention.
this agreement. We could enhance our monitoring
of biological data (from studying jellyfish blooms to
changes in the routes of large marine predators), as 5. Natural hazards linked to a site’s geological characteristics
well as deep sea hydrology thanks to the availability (e.g. the movement of tectonic plates).
of Ships of Opportunity.
More specifically, the agreement will allow us to
restart programmes to collect geological and hy-
drological data to map geo-hazards in the Medi-
5
terranean region, studies which have significant
economic value.