Protect Seamounts, Protect the Ocean
Seamounts – mountains that can rise thousands of meters above the seabed – support the health and wellbeing of the whole ocean. From climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling, to providing food, habitat and shelter for ocean creatures, seamounts are lifelines for the ocean.
CHALLENGING DEEP-SEA FISHING
Since 2004, the DSCC has been acting on international concerns over the harmful impacts of deep-sea bottom trawling. Our advocacy has contributed to the adoption of a series of resolutions by the UN General Assembly calling for protection of deep-sea ecosystems, like seamounts, from the harmful impacts of deep-sea fisheries on the high seas. The resolutions have prompted significant improvements to international law, policy and regulation.
Most recently, in 2022, UNGA Sustainable Fisheries resolution 77/118 highlighted the importance of protecting deep-sea biodiversity and called for the assessment of the potential impacts on all species that constitute a vulnerable marine ecosystem (VME) “including their associated and dependent species”.
However, despite these resolutions and the recognition of the threats they face, seamount ecosystems and other VMEs remain at risk from damaging human activities, such as bottom trawling.
WHAT ARE OUR PRIORITIES?
The DSCC is currently focused on these priorities:
- The protection of all seamounts from bottom-impact fishing in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).
- Recognition by States and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), to include seamounts, hydrothermal vents and cold water corals as the “groups of species, communities or habitats that may be vulnerable to impacts from fishing activities” (FAO International Guidelines).
- Consistent application by States and RFMOs of the precautionary ecosystem approach to protect seamounts and vulnerable marine ecosystems.
- The specific consideration of climate impact in RFMO Conservation Measures, fisheries plans, and research and monitoring programs.
IUCN motion to protect seamounts and other vulnerable marine ecosystems