Editorial: Submarine canyons: human connections to the deep sea

Submarine canyons are described as conduits to the deep sea where the interplay between oceanographic, biological/ecological processes, and bathymetric and topographical features have consequences on the functioning and associated diversity of both pelagic and benthic communities. Impacts from human activities range from fishing, resource extraction, and as transport ‘sinks’. The true human connection to these important features is often unknown, under-reported, and/or poorly understood. In order to better address the various challenges submarine canyons face, there is a need to strengthen our understanding of the types of anthropogenic pressures on and threats to submarine canyons and their associated communities. This Research Topic, Submarine Canyons: Human Connections to the Deep Sea, presents three review papers and eight original research papers from 20 different countries (70 authors), and presents research that spans the field of submarine canyons and the wider deep-sea area, providing insight into the links between anthropogenic activities and canyons. Here, we summarize some of the highlights derived from the 11 articles published in this Research Topic.