Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Coral reefs of the High Seas: Hidden biodiversity hotspots in need of protection
Wagner, D.; Friedlander, A.M.; Pyle, R.L.; Brooks, C.M.; Gjerde, K.M.; Wilhelm, T.A. (2020). Coral reefs of the High Seas: Hidden biodiversity hotspots in need of protection. Front. Mar. Sci. 7: 567428. https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.567428
In: Frontiers in Marine Science. Frontiers Media: Lausanne. e-ISSN 2296-7745, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
Author keywords
    areas beyond national jurisdiction, area-based management tools, coral reef, marine protected area, seamount, reef-building, vulnerable marine ecosystems

Authors  Top 
  • Wagner, D.
  • Friedlander, A.M.
  • Pyle, R.L., more
  • Brooks, C.M.
  • Gjerde, K.M.
  • Wilhelm, T.A.

Abstract
    Coral reefs are widely regarded as one of the top science and conservation priorities globally, as previous research has demonstrated that these ecosystems harbor an extraordinary biodiversity, myriad ecosystem services, and are highly vulnerable to human stressors. However, most of this knowledge is derived from studies on nearshore and shallow-water reefs, with coral reef ecosystems remaining virtually unstudied in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), commonly known as the high seas. We reviewed information on the spatial distribution of reef-building corals throughout their depth range, and compiled a total of 537,782 records, including 116 unique records from ABNJ at depths between 218–5,647 m. The majority of reef-building coral records in ABNJ were in association with geomorphological features that have steep topographies. These habitats, which include escarpments, seamounts, and submarine ridges accounted for >74% of the records in international waters. Such geomorphological features, particularly those that occur within close proximity to the sea surface, should be prioritized for future scientific exploration. The majority of the reef-building coral records in ABNJ (>77%) were recorded in unprotected waters, and this study discusses the challenges and opportunities for protecting marine biodiversity in ABNJ. Finally, this study offers a definition of high seas coral reefs, and provides a framework to better understand and conserve these fragile ecosystems.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors