2009 Research Programmes of the HCMR - Hellenic Centre for ...

or mitigate these so as to use the oceans in a sustainable manner? Answering these questions will
require complex experiments combined with long-term monitoring of sensitive
environments.
This project addresses issues raised in the EC foresight document “The Deep-Sea Frontier -
Science challenges for a sustainable future” (Cochonat et al., 2007). HERMIONE builds on the
success of previous projects such as HERMES but tackles new areas, for example to provide
essential information on ecosystem dynamics at potential long-term observatory sites, and in Arctic
areas where climate change will be more pronounced. Other topics include cold water cascading in
the Mediterranean, driven by cold winter winds that may lose their impact as climate warms,
leading to reduced ventilation of deep Mediterranean waters (Canals et al., 2006). In addition, we
will investigate seamounts as potential areas of high biodiversity that are under threat from bottom
trawling and we will relate the cold seep communities to those living in hot vents on the Mid-
Atlantic Ridge.
HERMIONE has 4 key scientific objectives. These follow a logical progression fro investigating
the physical dimensions of ecosystems, to understanding how they function and interconnect, to
studying how they are impacted by man and how HERMIONE can contribute to conserving them.
The HERMIONE partnership has committed considerable non-EC resources, including a number
of cruises that are already approved (see Appendix II). The total effort committed to this project
will be several multiples of the EC contribution through the contribution of shiptime, major
facilities (e.g. Remotely Operated Vehicles) and staff effort (e.g. postdocs/PhD students) paid by
each nation. The scientists involved represent the best in Europe drawn from internationally
recognised laboratories and with access to state-of-the-art equipment. They have a proven track
record of delivery. They are also passionate about securing the vitality of the oceans for future
generations and will put considerable effort into working with stakeholders
Objectives: 1. To investigate the dimensions, distribution and interconnection of deep-sea
ecosystems; 2. To understand changes in deep-sea ecosystems related to key factors including
climate; change, human impacts and the impact of large-scale episodic events; 3. To understand
the biological capacities and specific adaptations of deep-sea organisms; and investigate the
importance of biodiversity in the functioning of deep-water ecosystems; 4. To provide stakeholders
and policy-makers with scientific knowledge to support deep-sea governance aimed at the
sustainable management of resources and the conservation of ecosystems.
The scientific side of the work programme is complemented by an extensive public outreach
programme and dedicated training plan for project students, and underpinned by effective and
rigorous data management, including GIS support.
Inter-basin exchange in the changing Mediterranean sea: impact on the ecosystem in the
vicinity of the straits connecting the Mediterranean sea with the adjacent basins (MEDEX/
796).
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr I.Siokou-Frangou
GSRT
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 24 months (2009-2011
Total Budget: 219.360 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Siokou-Frangou, Dr A. Giannakourou S. Zervoudaki, Dr Ch. Zeri,
Dr Th. Zoulias, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr G. Petyhakis, Dr P. Pitta, Dr G.
Triantafyllou, Dr S. Psarra, A. Androni, P. Zahioti, S. Iliakis, P. Renieris. E. Rouselaki, K. Tsiaras,
K. Charalambous
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