DEEP REST cruises

This geodatabase contains transit data from cruises included on the DEEP REST project conducted by Ifremer (Hermine 2, Momarsat 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and Bicose 3) and Geomar (SO295). DEEP REST is a BiodivRestore European project that gathered natural and social scientists from 8 countries to investigate polymetallic nodule fields in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) and hydrothermal vents on the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (nMAR) as ecosystems threatened by seabed mining. DEEP REST research enhanced our knowledge on 1) the faunal and functional diversity of these ecosystems and their interconnections, which is fundamental to inform protection and preservation, including conservation decisions, 2) potential restoration actions, including passive (e.g., protection after impact) or active restoration (e.g., substratum deployment, transplants) actions that can be placed within the framework of the mitigation hierarchy and 3) stakeholder perspectives and governance issues related to deep-sea mining.