Table 2. Summary of resource priorities for seamounts over the next decade based largely on science input required for the growing demands of conservation and management strategies to be developed for seamount ecosystems; no ranking of priorities is implied.

Rationale	Actions	Output(s)
Seamount data and information
Recent international efforts have compiled physical and biological data on seamounts at regional and global scales. These enabled analyses that have improved our understanding of the drivers of faunal assemblages on seamounts, and their spatial distribution. However, many more data are available for inclusion in these databases.	Expand and maintain regional and global databases that document seamount fauna and physical characteristics (e.g. SeamountsOnline, Seamount Catalog).	Data in these databases can be used in a variety of analyses (e.g. biogeographic patterns , environmental classifications) that can contribute to spatial planning strategies for the conservation and management of seamounts.
Fisheries data and information
Development of effective fisheries management requires catch and effort data that cover all major operations and geographic areas and identify individual seamounts catches.	Capture historical data sets into existing global repositories, and improve the spatial resolution at which data are reported.	The detailed distribution of fisheries, and hence impacts on seamounts can guide conservation efforts. Fisheries stock assessment is improved with better data.
Predictive species distribution modelling
Biodiversity maps will for the foreseeable future remain incomplete due to limited sampling coverage. Predictive modelling can extrapolate biodiversity across large ocean scales.	Produce models of species and assemblage distribution as data compilations become available.	Better maps on biogeography are used for management purposes. Models likely to be especially useful for taxa of particular management interest.
Environmental surrogates
Biological sampling of seamounts will remain sparse, so alternative approaches that provide surrogates for biodiversity are needed.	Determine the extent by which physical and chemical parameters can predict biological information, and test the validity of surrogacy models.	In the absence of biodiversity information, managers should be able to use classifications and other measures of surrogacy,
Risk assessments
There is an increasing need for the provision of ecological risk assessments (ERA) for seamounts, as environmental managers attempt to understand the threats posed by fishing and mining.	Refine ERA methods so that they are robust, transparent, and understandable. Assessments tailored to management objectives and available data.	ERAs should facilitate the effective management of seamount resources and inform conservation strategies.