Seamounts

Formed by volcanic activity, seamounts are found in oceans worldwide, with tens of thousands still unexplored. While typically cone-shaped, they often feature craters, ridges, or flat summits called guyots. Some exist in isolation, while others form chains or clusters. For example, a ~4,200-meter-high seamount named “Kahalewai” was recently mapped during the Mountains in the Deep expedition and was discovered to be almost 1,000 meters taller than previously thought.

Key Benefits of Seamounts

Carbon Sequestration

Seamount ecosystems, particularly those with cold-water coral and sponge communities, act as carbon sinks, storing organic matter in the deep ocean for long periods and helping mitigate climate change.
Biodiversity Hotspots

Seamounts support complex ecosystems with a wide range of species, including corals, sponges, crustaceans, and fish, many of which are endemic to these environments. These ecosystems contribute to regional biodiversity.
Fisheries and Food Security

Seamounts serve as habitats for commercially important fish species such as tuna, snapper, and orange roughy, playing a vital role in sustaining global fisheries and supporting food security.
Nutrient Upwelling

Seamounts disrupt ocean currents, creating nutrient-rich upwellings from the deep ocean that fuel primary productivity, supporting plankton growth and attracting larger marine species such as sharks and whales.
Climate Regulation

Seamounts influence deep ocean currents, which help regulate global climate by distributing heat and nutrients.
Navigational Markers

Many migratory species, such as sharks and whales, use seamounts as feeding or resting points during migrations. Their elevation also serves as natural orientation markers for species navigating long distances.
Research Value

Seamounts provide opportunities to study marine biodiversity, deep-sea ecosystems, tectonic activity, and ocean floor formation.
Ecotourism

Seamounts closer to the surface can attract divers and deep-sea explorers, supporting ecotourism activities.

Pressures on Seamounts

Climate Change
Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification threaten cold-water coral communities and disrupt species distributions, impacting the seamount ecosystems. Climate change also alters ocean currents, affecting the nutrient upwelling that supports marine life around seamounts.
Overfishing and Destructive Fishing
Overfishing of deep-sea species, such as orange roughy, has depleted populations, while destructive practices such as bottom trawling damage seamount ecosystems, harming coral and sponge beds.
Mining and Resource Extraction
Seamounts are rich in minerals such as cobalt and manganese, driving interest in deep-sea mining. These operations can destroy ecosystems, release toxic substances, and stir up sediment plumes that smother marine life. Seamounts are also targeted for oil and gas exploration. Activities such as drilling, constructing platforms, and potential spills can harm marine species and ecosystems.
Pollution
Seamounts are vulnerable to marine debris, particularly plastics, and pollutants such as heavy metals and agricultural runoff that accumulate in the marine food web. Noise pollution from shipping and deep-sea exploration also affects species relying on sound for communication and navigation.
Unsustainable Tourism
Poorly managed tourism, including boat anchoring and diving, can physically damage seamount ecosystems and disturb marine life.
Invasive Species
Human activities, such as shipping and ballast water discharge, introduce invasive species that outcompete native seamount species, disrupting the balance of these delicate ecosystems.

Taking Action to Restore Seamounts

Marine Protected Areas
Sustainable Fishing Practices
Regulating Deep-Sea Mining
Climate Mitigation
Marine Spatial Planning
Pollution Control

Active Restoration
Engaging Local Communities
Financial Incentives
Strengthening Policies
Research and Monitoring
International Collaboration

Credits

Carlos Duarte
Vanesa Chalastani
Letizia Valluzzi

Latest Stories

View All

Elevating Blue Tech: Increasing Awareness and Driving Growth

Investing in blue tech is essential for preserving the health of our oceans and coastal areas, which are crucial for economic, social, and environmental resilience.