Although a number of hydrothermal vent sites have been discovered along the Arctic Mid‐Ocean Ridge (AMOR) in later years, and an increasing number of cold seep areas have been found along the continental shelves and slopes (see map below), the knowledge of species living in these habitats in Norwegian waters is still limited. A good understanding of the diversity and community composition of hydrothermal vents and cold seeps will be critical to inform the management of these habitats, as the interest for exploitation of mineral deposits and gas hydrates in the Norwegian deep sea is increasing.
The main aims for this project are to:
- Provide taxonomically up to date faunal inventories for hydrothermal vent and cold seep communities in Norwegian waters
- Generate geo‐referenced species records for Artskart (https://artskart.artsdatabanken.no) linked to museum voucher specimens
- Produce DNA‐barcodes for all the inventoried species
- Produce an illustrated guide to species identification of arctic hydrothermal vent and cold seep fauna
Vent & Seep Fauna in Norwegian Waters 