Seamount Ecosystem Evaluation Framework (SEEF): A Tool for Global Seamount Research and Data Synthesis

Abstract

The Seamount Ecosystem Evaluation Framework (SEEF) is an innovative multidisciplinary tool developed to standardize the parameters by which seamounts are characterized, to report the extent of knowledge about individual seamounts, and to identify and assess threats to them, and to address other issues. Initially developed by Pitcher and Bulman (2007) and Pitcher et al. (2007), SEEF identifies critical gaps in knowledge and may be used as a guide to develop future research plans for a specific seamount. By systematizing sets of seamount data, it can also promote and assist consistent seamount ecosystem modeling, meta-analysis, and, for management, development of ecosystem-based plans.

Keywords

• SEEF
• seamounts
• ecoysystem-based management