Okeanos - Institute of Marine Sciences

Okeanos activities are directed to scientific research and education on the ecology, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem based management of open ocean and deep-water marine ecosystems, including seamounts, hydrothermal vents, mid-ocean ridges, abyssal plains, and the pelagic and mesopelagic realms, with a special focus on the Atlantic Ocean but with extensions to other ocean basins. Most biology and ecology research have targeted key deep-sea and pelagic taxa, including benthic invertebrates (e.g. cold-water corals and sponges), soft-bodied animals, fishes and vulnerable megafauna (e.g. cetaceans, seabirds, sea-turtles and sharks). Ecosystem functioning studies have focused in understanding the transfer of energy from chemosynthetic communities to background ecosystems, the main drivers of seamount productivity, and aspects related to the benthopelagic coupling or the two-ways energy transfer between the deep-sea and the open ocean. Okeanos has contributed profoundly, and will keep contributing, to the sustainable management of the oceans at the local, national, European, and international levels though a dedicated agenda which promotes the transfer of scientific knowledge to governmental and private organizations, and to the society. Okeanos has also paid special attention improving ocean literacy and environmental awareness. This long-term goal of has been achieved by establishing links with local schools, organizing public seminars, and partnering with national and international media (e.g. BBC, NGM) to produce documentaries, TV and radio shows.