<
https://www.birdlife.org/news/2023/06/30/naces-receives-full-protection-status/>
"Today, OSPAR has made a momentous decision to strengthen the protection of the
North Atlantic Current and Evlanov Sea basin (NACES) Marine Protected Area
(MPA), acknowledging the site’s unparalleled significance for a multitude of
marine species and the extraordinary value of its seabed habitats.
Nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, this sprawling MPA spans an
area roughly equivalent to continental France. Back in 2021, OSPAR designated
it as an MPA following extensive research led by BirdLife, which involved using
tracking data from 21 species of seabirds across 56 colonies. The findings were
nothing short of awe-inspiring, revealing that this area serves as a seasonal
home for an astounding to 5 million individual birds each year, confirming it
as a seabird hotspot and as one of the most vital congregations of migratory
seabirds in the Atlantic.
At the time of its original designation, the conservation objectives of the
site were focused on seabirds, where the evidence for the importance of the
site was indisputable. Over the course of two years, a meticulous process
unfolded, compiling and reviewing a wealth of evidence to shed light on the
site’s potential wider value. The outcome exceeded all expectations, unearthing
a treasure trove of iconic marine species that depend on the NACES MPA.
Majestic creatures such as Blue and Fin whales, Leatherback and Loggerhead
turtles, Basking sharks, European eels, and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna have been
revealed as key inhabitants of this marine sanctuary. They utilize the site for
migration, foraging, and as a vital habitat during different seasons. Moreover,
the seafloor habitats within the MPA, including over 30 seamounts, astonished
researchers with their diversity. Recent data from research cruises have
brought to light the existence of vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as
deep-sea sponges and coral gardens, which serve as crucial pillars for
supporting a wide array of vibrant ecosystems
The immense appeal of the NACES MPA has ignited the imaginations of countless
individuals, with over 16,400 citizens joining BirdLife’s to call for better
protection of the site. BirdLife congratulates the OSPAR Commission and
Contracting Parties for their commitment, which has been vital for the success
of the two-year process since the site’s initial designation to protect
seabirds. This process has now culminated in a resounding triumph that promises
to benefit nature throughout the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The
decision to expand the conservation objectives of the site beyond seabirds
underscores the influential role that these species play in leading the way
toward comprehensive ocean protection. This groundbreaking achievement serves
as a beacon of hope, paving the way for concrete actions to ensure the proper
preservation of this precious gem."
Via
Future Crunch:
<
https://futurecrunch.com/good-news-wash-poverty-usa-seabird-conservation/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
