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Important submarine canyons ecosystems are at risk

A recent review of studies of submarine canyons has identified that they are at risk from human activities, and require better protection. Remains of fishing gear over corals and other benthic fauna on Porcupine Bank. Credit: ICM-CSIC, DOSMARES cruise 2013. The review was published in the journal  Frontiers in Marine Science  by a team of scientists that are part of the International Network for submarine Canyon Investigation and Scientific Exchange (INCISE). INCISE is an initiative that aims to bring together scientists working on all aspects of submarine canyon research, and to stimulate discussions across disciplines. Submarine canyons are major geomorphic features of continental margins, and nearly 10,000 large canyons are estimated to exist around the world. Recent multidisciplinary projects focused on the study of canyons have considerably increased our understanding of their ecological role, the goods and services they provide to human populati