The mesopelagic zone (200–1000 m depth) is increasingly seen as a source of natural resources and ecosystem services. This study uses automated content analysis of scientific abstracts and tweets to identify key topics regarding the mesopelagic zone, revealing two dominant themes: fish resource exploitation and its role as a carbon sink. The authors argue that, in the absence of specific mesopelagic zone policies, scientific research plays a de facto governing role by shaping public and policymaker understanding of the ecosystem. This highlights the need for new knowledge and governance arrangements to broaden perspectives on the future use of this uncertain ecosystem.

Amanda Schadeberg, Marloes Kraan, Rolf Groeneveld, Damian Trilling, Simon Bush