Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
the CBD, also includes within its scope derivatives, which are defined as naturally oc-
curring biochemical compounds resulting from the genetic expression or metabolism of
biological or genetic resources, even if they do not contain functional units of heredity
(Article 2). This chapter follows the definition of the CBD, although it must be noted that
the scientific understanding of genetic resources may not be uniform (see Aricò and Salpin,
From an applied research perspective, including with a commercial intent, the deep
sea and the seabed contain genetic resources of actual or potential value and interest. The
ratio of potentially useful natural compounds is higher in marine than in terrestrial organ-
isms, which implies a higher probability of commercial success with material sourced from
the marine environment. Organisms from the deepest areas of the oceans, such as hydro-
thermal vents and cold seeps, and from other environments such as polar areas, are subject
to extremes of pressure and temperature, and sometimes toxicity. As a result, these organ-
isms, which are often referred to as 'extremophiles', have evolved unique molecular and
metabolic characteristics that allow their survival in such conditions. The combination of
extreme conditions and potential for new discoveries make extreme environments poten-
tially one of the largest reservoirs of genetic resources of major interest for industrial and
Marine genetic resources hold significant promise for helping meet some of the major
current development challenges such as combating disease through the development of
newdrugs;helping tocombat pollution ofthe marine environment throughbioremediation;
achieving food security through sustainable mariculture practices; and meeting growing
energy demands through the development of alternative energy sources. Interest in these
resources may also stimulate the creation of public-private partnerships in the area of re-
search and development, for the benefit of advancing marine science and knowledge.
Yet, in spite of the increasing attention paid to issues related to marine genetic re-
sources by scientists, industry, and policy makers, available information on research and
development related to marine genetic resources, as well as on the modalities of the part-
nerships established between scientific institutions - largely public - and companies -
