Seamounts– the towering underwater volcanoes that make up roughly a fifth of the ocean floor- are among the most vital yet least understood ecosystems on Earth. This session brings together researchers from three continents to share what we´re learning about these hidden biodiversity hotspots and how the world is working to understand and protect them. We´ll open with an introduction to SEAMOUNTS, a new international science program being built to coordinate seamount research worldwide, then dive into fresh discoveries from the 2026 MATRICS expedition to Peyve Seamount in the equatorial Atlantic, where ROV exploration revealed unexpectedly rich and poorly known deep-sea communities. The session closes with an update on a five-year Korean-led initiative focused on the Emperor Seamounts and Northern Hawaiian Ridge, which combines oceanographic, geological, and biological research to inform marine protected areas and support the BBNJ Agreement´s goals for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

Join us to hear directly from the scientists exploring these remote ocean giants – from new international coordination efforts to cutting-edge deep-sea exploration and conservation science shaping the future of high-seas protection.