Symposium addressed deep-sea ecosystems and the Thermal Dome
- Offshore Science Costa Rica 2024 (OSCRI-2024) delved into key research and conservation issues on the marine ecosystems furthest from our coasts
- The deep sea makes up most of the 92% of Costa Rica’s ocean expanse, largely still unexplored.
From December 3 to 5, 2024, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) hosted the first symposium called ‘Offshore Science Costa Rica’ (OSCRI-2024), an event dedicated to deepening the knowledge of the marine ecosystems furthest from our coasts and to promoting research for their protection and sustainable management.
This symposium brought together scientists, policymakers, conservation organizations, and students, all with a shared vision for the future of deep-sea ecosystems (depths greater than 200 meters) and far from the country’s coast.
OSCRI-2024 provided a space to present recent findings, discuss critical issues in marine conservation, and establish collaboration that will guide future research and policies.
Facing the challenge of offshore ecosystems
Deep-sea and offshore marine ecosystems pose a significant challenge for research and conservation.
Located hundreds of kilometres from the mainland and at great depths, these environments require advanced technologies to be able to study their dynamics and threats.
In addition, ecosystems in areas such as the Thermal Dome, crucial for marine biodiversity, are increasingly threatened by climate change, unsustainable fishing and resource extraction, challenges that were discussed during the event.
Exploring Costa Rica’s Deep-Sea Ecosystems and the Thermal Dome
The three-day symposium featured plenary lectures, technical presentations, and panel discussions on key topics, including the current state of Costa Rica’s deep-sea ecosystems, innovative strategies for their conservation, and the sustainable management of areas such as the Thermal Dome.
The outcomes of this meeting include a summary of relevant topics and a compilation of suggestions for future research and collaboration.
A collaborative effort
OSCRI-2024 was possible thanks to the collaboration of various UCR institutions, including the Centre for Research in Marine Sciences and Limnology (CIMAR), the Centre for Research in Biodiversity and Tropical Ecology (CIBET), the Centre for Research in Geological Sciences (CICG), the Centre for Research in Microscopic Structures (CIEMIC), the School of Biology, (EB) and the Central American School of Geology (ECG).
It also had the support of the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) and the School of Physics of the National University. It also had the priceless support of the Friends of Cocos Island Foundation, the Bezos Earth Fund, the Charles Darwin Foundation, the MarViva Foundation, Conservation International, Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Accelerator, Blue Nature Alliance, SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas), Schmidt Ocean Institute, Undersea Hunter Group, as well as many other extremely valuable collaborations.
Highlighting the “Unknown Costa Rica” Campaign
Within the framework of the symposium, an exhibition of the “Unknown Costa Rica” campaign, an initiative that promotes knowledge and appreciation of Costa Rica’s deep sea (i.e., areas with depths of 200 meters or more) was presented.
The deep sea makes up most of the country’s largely unexplored ocean.
The campaign aims to integrate the concept of the deep sea into Costa Rican popular culture through digital awareness, political advocacy, and scientific research. This initiative seeks to inspire society to value and protect Costa Rica’s deep marine ecosystems.
With this symposium and the “Unknown Costa Rica” campaign, the intention is to inspire valuable discussions, new knowledge, and strengthen partnerships in the field of offshore marine science in Costa Rica.
For more details of the event:
- Website: https://oscri2024.com
- Social media: https://www.instagram.com/costarica_desconocida
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CostaRicaDesconocida
