Ocean’s Twilight Zone Gets First Global Protection Measures
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📰 The quick summary: The IUCN adopted a motion urging precautionary protection of the ocean’s mesopelagic zone, safeguarding this critical ecosystem that plays key roles in the marine food web and carbon storage.
📈 One key stat: The mesopelagic zone contains an estimated 600 million metric tons of fish biomass, making it a crucial foundation for marine biodiversity and potential climate regulation.
💬 One key quote: “Let’s look before we leap, because the mesopelagic zone is just too important from a biodiversity, climate regulation and ecosystem functioning perspective,” said Chris Dorsett, vice president of conservation at Ocean Conservancy.
1️⃣ The big picture: Global conservation efforts have taken their first step toward protecting the ocean’s twilight zone. At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, delegates voted to adopt a motion calling for precautionary protection of the mesopelagic zone, a dimly lit ocean layer found 200-1,000 meters below the surface. This rich ecosystem hosts an immense fish biomass and plays crucial roles in the marine food web and carbon cycle. The nonbinding motion urges caution regarding potential activities like fishing, deep-sea mining, and geoengineering, emphasizing that decisions should be guided by science rather than profit.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Marine ecosystems receive vital protection before large-scale commercial activities can cause damage. The motion recognizes the mesopelagic zone’s critical role in climate regulation through the biological pump that stores carbon in the deep ocean. Fish species inhabiting this zone serve as crucial food sources for prized predators including dolphins, tunas, and sharks, maintaining biodiversity throughout the ocean. Both conservation groups and industry representatives expressed support for the precautionary approach, suggesting potential for collaborative solutions. The timing aligns perfectly with the recent ratification of the high seas treaty, providing additional tools to implement these protections.
3️⃣ What’s next: Future protections may emerge through national legislation within individual countries’ exclusive economic zones or through regional fishery management organizations. The new high seas treaty can bolster protection by enabling environmental impact assessments and area-based protections. Collaborative research will help guide sustainable management decisions regarding this largely unexplored zone.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Global conservation body takes first step to protect ocean’s twilight zone
