Digital Deep-Sea Typical Habitats (Digital DEPTH) Symposium 2024
The 2024 Digital Deep-Sea Typical Habitats (Digital DEPTH) Symposium was successfully held on 6 November 2024, at the Xiamen International Conference Center during the EAS Congress and World Ocean Week in Xiamen.
The symposium attracted numerous marine scientists and scholars from around the globe to discuss the importance of deep-sea habitat research, current survey conditions, and the application of digital technology in deep-sea ecological protection and sustainable development.
Digital DEPTH, led by the China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration, Ministry of Natural Resources, China and with Academician Li Jiabiao as the chief scientist, involves experts from 64 institutions across 39 countries on six continents. Since its approval in June 2023 and official launch in November 2023, the program has conducted a series of scientific activities including scientific expeditions, deep-sea surveys, and international symposiums.
Speeches were given by Tang Dongmei, Deputy Director of the China Ocean Affairs Administration, and Fang Yinxia, Director of the Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources.
Keynote reports included an introduction and progress report by Academician Li Jiabiao on the Digital DEPTH program, and a plan and execution report on the 2024 international voyage by Professor Qian Peiyuan from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Experts from various institutions presented their latest research findings and future directions, covering topics such as deep-sea biodiversity, digital reconstruction of deep-sea habitats, digital deep-sea fisheries, and deep-sea acoustics.
Quote:
“Future efforts will continue to focus on international cooperation, enhancing capacity building, and promoting the protection of deep-sea environments,” said academician Li Jiabiao.
The symposium provided an important platform for global deep-sea research. Participants agreed to further strengthen cooperation and contribute to harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean. Among the key topics discussed were:
- The Establishment of an International Cooperation Office at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
- Organization of international joint scientific expeditions.
- Development of a digital system for survey-simulation-prediction.
- Plans for the first International Scientific Advisory Committee meeting in January 2025 in Hong Kong.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
The Digital DEPTH Symposium has laid a foundation for global collaboration in deep-sea research. Recommended future actions include enhancing international capacity building, promoting cooperative research and increasing the global awareness and protection of deep-sea environments. The next significant event is planned for January 2025 in Hong Kong, which aims to further the development of Digital DEPTH.The Establishment of an International Cooperation Office at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Organization of international joint scientific expeditions.
Development of a digital system for survey-simulation-prediction.
Plans for the first International Scientific Advisory Committee meeting in January 2025 in Hong Kong.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
The Digital DEPTH Symposium has laid a foundation for global collaboration in deep-sea research. Recommended future actions include enhancing international capacity building, promoting cooperative research and increasing the global awareness and protection of deep-sea environments. The next significant event is planned for January 2025 in Hong Kong, which aims to further the development of Digital DEPTH.
