Advancements in biotechnology have significantly increased the importance of marine genetic resources that contributed to the development of anti-cancer drugs, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and enzymes for industrial and biomedical applications. However, current and specific information on the potential of this sector is lacking about the growing body of metagenomic data. The project goal is to explore the biotechnological potential hidden in marine organisms that can become targeted for natural product discovery in areas beyond national jurisdictions (ABNJ). These areas of the ocean are still missing the clear governance rules yet account for a significant share of marine biodiversity hotspots.