The deep ocean covers more than half the planet, but is remote, expensive to access and poorly studied. With growing resource shortages on land and in the coastal zone, and technological advances that greatly improve access, this vast, remote, domain faces unprecedented challenges to its integrity, and its ability to provide the services we depend on. Fishing, energy extraction and mining activities are all increasing in the deep ocean, both within EEZs and in international waters, often without appropriate oversight and policy in place. There is a growing imperative to advance stewardship strategies that consider the deep-ocean's special features and the needs of future generations. (#27867)