The global research project MegaMove, endorsed by the United Nations, involves nearly 400 scientists from over 50 countries. It aims to identify areas where protection could be implemented to conserve marine megafauna. These creatures, often top predators in marine food webs, face increasing threats due to human activities.
Currently, only 8% of the world's oceans are designated as marine protection areas. The UN High Seas Treaty, signed by 115 countries but not yet ratified, seeks to expand this coverage to 30%. However, the research indicates that even a 30% target is insufficient for covering all critical areas used by threatened marine megafauna. Additional measures are necessary.
Dr Ana Sequeira of The Australian National University led the study with contributions from Dr Nicole Esteban of Swansea University's Marine Conservation and Ecology Lab. Dr Esteban stated: “We contributed migratory movement data for adult hawksbill and green turtles in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean to define critical habitat used by marine megafauna, including whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, penguins, polar bears, seals, dugongs, seabirds and sea turtles."
The research compiled more than 12,000 tracks from over 100 species across more than 70% of the ocean's surface. Dr Esteban highlighted: “This latest research shows that over 75% of critical habitats used by marine megafauna is influenced by human activities." She emphasized the need for mitigation strategies such as fishing regulation and wildlife-traffic separation.
Associate Professor Ana Sequeira founded MegaMove in 2020 and leads its efforts to advance global conservation of marine megafauna. She noted: “MegaMove brings together an international network of researchers to provide innovative research.” Sequeira added that implementing strategies like changing fishing gear and using different lights in nets will help alleviate human pressure on these species.
The findings also relate to UN Sustainable Development Goals and specifically aim at halting human-induced extinction under Goal A of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The study has been published in Science.
Story courtesy of Australian National University