Hotspots Beyond Borders: Quantitative Assessment of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems on the Corner Rise Seamounts with Implications for Conservation Planning – Frontiers

Report on the Conservation and Biodiversity of Corner Rise Seamounts in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Corner Rise Seamounts (CRS), situated in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), are vital biodiversity hotspots. These seamounts are protected from bottom-contact fishing by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and are recognized as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM). Additionally, the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) has recommended protection for the southern CRS. This report emphasizes the importance of CRS in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation of marine ecosystems.

Research Objectives and Methodology

1. To analyze the distribution and environmental drivers of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) indicators such as corals and sponges on the CRS.
2. To assess the status of structure-forming VME habitats using high-resolution remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) video data collected during NOAA’s 2021 Okeanos Explorer expedition.
3. To identify VMEs based on internationally recognized spatial criteria and provide scientific support for conservation measures.

Findings

• Community Composition: Coral and sponge communities on CRS were primarily influenced by depth-related oceanographic gradients and secondary longitudinal zonation.
• Distinct Assemblages: Three distinct community clusters were identified:
  • Upper-mid bathyal sites (900-1,900 m) influenced by upper intermediate North Atlantic waters.
  • Lower bathyal sites (2,000-2,600 m) associated with Labrador Sea Water.
  • Abyssal site on Rockaway Seamount (~4,100 m) influenced by Denmark Strait Overflow Water.
• VME Habitats: Six habitats down to 2,495 m depth met VME indicator density thresholds, indicating significant concentrations of vulnerable species.
• Environmental Drivers: Depth and water mass structure were identified as key drivers of coral and sponge biogeography on the CRS.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The study’s findings contribute directly to the achievement of several SDGs:

• SDG 14 – Life Below Water: By identifying and supporting the protection of VMEs, the research promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, helping to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Protecting marine biodiversity hotspots like CRS contributes to broader ecosystem health and resilience, which is essential for sustaining life both below water and on land.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Healthy marine ecosystems play a role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation, aligning with global climate action efforts.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between international organizations such as NAFO, WECAFC, and NOAA exemplifies global partnerships necessary for effective marine conservation.

Recommendations and Future Actions

1. Maintain and strengthen existing NAFO and WECAFC closures to protect CRS VMEs effectively.
2. Incorporate the scientific evidence provided by this study in the 2027 review of NAFO protections to ensure continued conservation efforts.
3. Encourage further research and monitoring of ABNJ seamount ecosystems to enhance understanding and management of vulnerable marine habitats.
4. Promote international cooperation and policy-making aligned with SDGs to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Conclusion

The Corner Rise Seamounts represent a critical marine biodiversity hotspot requiring sustained conservation efforts. This research underscores the importance of depth and water mass structures as drivers of coral and sponge distributions, providing essential data to inform management decisions. Aligning conservation strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals ensures the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems, contributing to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable ocean use.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on the conservation and management of deep-sea ecosystems, specifically the Corner Rise Seamounts (CRS), which are biodiversity hotspots in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).
   • Protection of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) such as cold-water corals and sponges aligns directly with SDG 14’s aim to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land (Indirectly)
   • While primarily marine-focused, the emphasis on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection also supports broader biodiversity goals under SDG 15.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The involvement of international organizations such as NAFO and WECAFC, and the use of internationally recognized criteria for VME identification, reflect global partnerships and cooperation essential for managing ABNJ.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 14 Targets
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience and taking action for their restoration.
   • Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
   • Target 14.7: Increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.
2. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) Indicator Density Thresholds
   • The article mentions the use of VME indicator density thresholds for significant concentrations of corals and sponges, which can serve as ecological indicators to measure the health and status of these ecosystems.
2. Spatial Criteria for VME Identification
   • Internationally recognized spatial criteria used to identify VMEs can act as indicators for monitoring the extent and distribution of protected habitats.
3. Community Structure and Biogeography Metrics
   • Analysis of coral and sponge community composition and clustering by depth and water mass structure provides biological indicators to assess ecosystem diversity and resilience.
4. Protected Area Status and Management Measures
   • Existence and enforcement of closures by NAFO and WECAFC, and their review status (e.g., NAFO protections due for review in 2027), serve as governance indicators for conservation effectiveness.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: frontiersin.org