Bioprospecting of Genetic Resources in the Deep Seabed

Contents
Foreword 6
Executive Summary 7
1 Introduction 8
2 Characteristic features of deep seabed ecosystems 9
2.1. Various deep seabed ecosystems 9
2.1.1. Hydrothermal vents 9
2.1.2. Cold seeps and other similar deep sea ecosystems 11
2.1.3. Seamounts 11
2.1.4. Similarities and differences between deep seabed ecosystems 12
2.2. Deep seabed ecosystems and the origin of life 13
2.3. Information on researched sites 13
3 Review of bioprospecting activities in the deep seabed 15
3.1. The object and nature of bioprospecting 15
3.1.1. Marine bioprospecting and marine scientific research 15
3.1.2. Genetic resources, genetic material and microorganisms 16
3.2. Analysis of the type and level of activities involving genetic resources from the deep seabed 16
3.2.1 Review of relevant research programmes 16
3.2.2. Review of various uses of deep seabed genetic resources 19
3.2.2.1. The role of patents with regard to deep seabed genetic resources 19
3.2.2.2. Review of patents related to deep seabed genetic resources 20
3.3. Information on recorded or potential impacts of research activities carried out in the deep seabed 21
3.4. Technological constraints and opportunities for deep seabed bioprospecting 22
3.5. Consequences for management resulting from the features of, and threats to,
deep seabed ecosystems, as well as from technological aspects 24
4 Overview of global biotechnology and bioprospecting trends 25
4.1. General industry trends 25
4.2. Bioprospecting for marine resources 27
4.3. Bioprospecting for extremophiles: the case of Antarctica 28
5 International instruments and ongoing activities relevant to deep seabed
bioprospecting 30
5.1. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 30
5.1.1. Genetic resources under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 30
5.1.2. Bioprospecting in the High Seas: the regime of living resources under Part VII 30
5.1.3. Bioprospecting in the Area: Part XI and the role of the International Seabed Authority 31
5.1.4. The Regulations of the International Seabed Authority 32
5.1.5. Part XIII: Marine scientific research 33
5.1.6. Part XIV: Development and transfer of marine technology 34
5.1.7. Part XII: Protection and preservation of the marine environment 34
5.2. The UN General Assembly and the UN Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea 35
5.2.1. UN General Assembly resolutions and reports of the Secretary-General 35
5.2.2. Further activities of the General Assembly, including the UN Informal
Consultative Process on the Law of the Sea 36
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