We are contacting you to request your expert insights on the current status and future direction of science and policy on mesopelagic ecosystems.

Mesopelagic ecosystems are a vital component of a thriving global ocean. However, despite the recent acceleration in scientific discovery, considerable geographic and scientific gaps still prevent a comprehensive assessment of how mesopelagic communities may be impacted by future anthropogenic threats (e.g., fisheries, deep-sea mining, oil spills). Further, there are few mesopelagic-specific policies in place globally to safeguard this region of the ocean from potential future overexploitation. 

The Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) Fisheries Working Group developed the following survey to gather data on our current understanding of the science and policy gaps in the mesopelagic zone. To be effective, we need experts like you, interested in the field(s) of mesopelagic scientific research and/or policy, to share your perspectives. The results of this survey will inform a scientific manuscript by the DOSI Fisheries Working Group, to advocate for ecosystem-based management to ensure the sustainability of mesopelagic resources and guide future research and management efforts.

This survey is estimated to take 25 minutes to complete, and we sincerely value and appreciate every minute you are willing to dedicate to this effort. The survey, available here, will remain open until October 30th. We would also appreciate it if you would be willing to share this survey link with other mesopelagic experts in your network who may not have received it.

We greatly appreciate all the work you have done in advancing the science and policy of the mesopelagic zone and sincerely hope you will be willing to share your expertise to inform the direction of future mesopelagic research and initiatives.

Full link to survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfeEjw6D7_enysvruuoMQgaSKTiNpMvYpGYCnNiFDBukZO8Q/viewform?pli=1

Thank you in advance.

On behalf of the DOSI Fisheries Working Group