Understanding human threats to the Earth’s largest habitat — the deep sea

When most people think about the deep sea, they picture broad expanses of muddy seafloor. However, the majority of deep-sea animals, and perhaps the majority of all animals on Earth, live in the “deep pelagic zone”–the dark waters between the ocean surface and the seafloor. An important research paper by MBARI marine biologist Bruce Robison points out that this seemingly remote habitat is increasingly being affected by human activities. Robison”s paper highlights the urgent need to understand and protect the diversity of animals in this unique and vital habitat. Read Full Article