Rainer Froese

01 October 2000

“The deep sea is the least known place on earth. Only recently we have discovered completely unknown and unexpected ecosystems, such as hot vents, whale falls, or cold-water reefs. Most deep-water fish are bizarre creatures whose survival strategies we yet have to understand. But we know already that -while they managed to survive coldness, darkness, and lack of food for sometimes over a century -they are no match for modern fishing technology. Many seamount populations have been wiped out in just a few fishing trips.”