I am marine biologist with main interest in systematics of benthic invertebrates deep-sea ecosystems. My research is currently focusing around taxonomy and ecology of sponges forming sponge grounds in temperate and Arctic waters through the EU-funded project SponGES (www.deepseasponges.org). Since the discovery of hydrothermal vents on the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridge I have also been working on describing the novel and specialized Arctic vent fauna on this ridge system, including species composition, zoogeography, symbioses and physiological adaptations. Our studies of the vent fauna have been combined with similar studies on cold seeps, mud volcanoes and whale/wood falls and seamounts, and we are aiming to investigate the phylogeography/genetic connectivity and colonization- and immigration patterns of the fauna in chemosynthetic habitats. The novelty and rarity of the biota found in these areas in combination with an increasing interest in mining of the associated mineral deposits have recently directed my research focus towards conducting thorough baseline studies and environmental impact assessments in these vulnerable deep sea ecosystems. The main aim of this work is to enable us to give proper advice to management bodies in their work developing management plans for the Nordic Seas, covering specialized and vulnerable ecosystems as hydrothermal vents, sponge grounds and soft-coral gardens, that are potentially affected by utilization of the mineral resources.