About the Project
Project Overview
Oceans play a crucial role in modulating the Earth’s global climate system while supporting valuable ecosystems on which we depend. DeePCMED is endorsed under the UN Ocean Decade and focuses on strengthening deep-sea research observations in the Mediterranean Sea through collaboration with marine environmental research institutes.
The Mediterranean Sea is particularly responsive to climate change. DeePCMED investigates how extreme climate events—such as marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and eutrophication—impact deep-sea habitats and affect the stability and resilience of marine ecosystems. By building on the HYDROCHANGES initiative (launched by CIESM in 2002), DeePCMED enhances long-term observations at strategic choke points like the Sardinia and Sicily Channels, where we can intercept different water masses and document how they change over time.
Scientific Goals
- Strengthen Eulerian observation systems at key Mediterranean choke points (Sardinia Channel, Sicily Channel) to maintain long-term monitoring of water masses and ocean properties.
- Collect multi-source dynamical and biogeochemical data through participation in international cruises, including the planned 2027 Digital DEPTH expedition using RV Shen Hai Yi Hao.
- Develop coupled dynamical-ecological models and prediction systems to forecast the impacts of extreme climate hazards (heatwaves, acidification, eutrophication) on deep marine ecosystems.
- Build capacity through training workshops, academic exchanges, and mentoring of early-career researchers, with emphasis on North-South collaboration and knowledge exchange with scientists from developing nations.
- Construct a Digital Deep-Sea Habitat Atlas and integrated observation-simulation-prediction platform to provide public tools for marine conservation and informed policy-making.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
DeePCMED aligns with two critical UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 13 – Climate Action: By improving our ability to predict and respond to climate-related hazards, DeePCMED contributes to building resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate-related impacts.
SDG 14 – Life Below Water: DeePCMED promotes the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources by protecting deep-sea biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and providing scientific evidence for marine protection measures.
The project supports international frameworks including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the UN Ocean Decade’s vision: “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want.”
Our Approach
DeePCMED employs a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach:
Data Collection: We leverage existing long-term time series datasets from the HYDROCHANGES network and integrate Argo BGC float data to build a comprehensive understanding of Mediterranean oceanographic changes.
Modeling & Simulation: Using multi-source data, we develop coupled dynamical-ecological models to simulate ecosystem responses to climate hazards and predict future changes.
International Collaboration: Our team spans six countries (Tunisia, Italy, Algeria, Malta, France, China) and coordinates with the Digital DEPTH Programme to ensure alignment with global deep-sea research priorities.
Capacity Building: Through quarterly training courses, biannual workshops, and annual academic exchanges, we build skills in advanced marine observation techniques, data analysis, and ecosystem modeling among early-career researchers.
Co-Design Approach: We engage stakeholders—partner institutions, local communities, and policy-makers—to ensure our research addresses real-world needs and supports evidence-based ocean governance.
