A groundbreaking international collaboration, led by researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), has yielded critical insights into the spatial behavior of over 100 species of marine megafauna. Utilizing advanced tracking technologies, this extensive study identifies key oceanic territories essential for the conservation of these species, which play pivotal roles in marine ecosystems worldwide. The findings, published in the journal Science, underscore the urgency of establishing comprehensive Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) alongside innovative mitigation strategies, to safeguard marine biodiversity in the face of escalating anthropogenic pressures.
Marine megafauna, encompassing some of the ocean’s most iconic species such as sharks, whales, sea turtles, and seals, are apex predators and integral components of marine food webs. Their health and distribution directly influence the structure and function of marine ecosystems. This expansive effort, dubbed MegaMove, coordinated nearly 400 scientists from more than 50 countries, to aggregate and analyze tracking data that reveal migration corridors, foraging grounds, and key residency zones. The intricate movement patterns mapped in this study reveal spatial overlaps with human-induced threats, emphasizing that conventional conservation efforts suffice only in part to ensure these species’ survival.
Currently, Marine Protected Areas account for a mere 8 percent of the global ocean surface. The United Nations’ High Seas Treaty aims to expand this coverage to 30 percent, a target aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14, which advocates for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans. The MegaMove project’s comprehensive spatial analyses critically evaluate whether such targets suffice to protect marine megafauna. Though a step forward, the study reveals that even achieving 30 percent protection in strategically important areas will not comprehensively shield all critical habitats utilized by these species. This necessitates supplementary management and mitigation strategies.
At the forefront of this research, Associate Professor Ana Sequeira of the Australian National University explains that identifying critical habitats is only achievable through extensive animal tracking. Satellite and biologging technologies have revolutionized ecological research by providing granularity in understanding how marine megafauna use space across vast oceanic expanses. These data reveal that vital areas such as feeding zones and migratory corridors face overlapping threats from industrial fishing, shipping lanes, ocean warming, and plastic pollution. Thus, conservation measures must extend beyond mere designation of protected areas to encompass dynamic and adaptive management approaches.
Oceanic environments are undergoing rapid changes driven by climate change, exemplified by shifting temperature gradients, acidification, and altered current systems. These changes impact the distribution and behavior of marine megafauna, with cascading effects on ecosystem stability. Dr. Camrin Braun, an ocean ecologist at WHOI, emphasizes that climate-induced habitat shifts necessitate an adaptive framework for conservation planning. Conventional static protections may become obsolete if the habitats of these species move in response to environmental fluctuations, making predictive modeling and continuous monitoring indispensable.
Moreover, the integration of multi-national datasets stands as an unprecedented achievement in marine ecology, enabling a holistic perspective on species’ spatial requirements. This multinational scientific coalition debates and informs policy frameworks, contributing empirical evidence vital for negotiating effective conservation treaties and international agreements. By linking spatial ecology with policy, MegaMove bridges the critical gap between scientific research and actionable governance, which is essential for effective marine biodiversity preservation on a global scale.
The study also identifies several mitigation strategies complementary to MPAs, such as modifying fishing gear to reduce bycatch, implementing vessel speed regulations to lessen collision risks, and employing acoustic deterrents to minimize disturbances. These interventions are particularly crucial in areas where protected zones are not feasible or where species’ ranges extend into heavily trafficked waters. Such multi-pronged approaches broaden the scope of conservation beyond spatial protection, addressing the myriad threats marine megafauna face.
This research directly supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, specifically its Goal A, which calls for halting human-driven extinction of threatened species. By delineating priority areas for marine megafauna protection, the study provides a blueprint to operationalize these global biodiversity goals. The findings advocate for an integrated international response that aligns conservation priorities with sustainable ocean use, supporting legislation and conservation practices at regional, national, and global levels.
Simon Thorrold, senior scientist in biology at WHOI, highlights the utility of collaborative data sharing in magnifying the impact of conservation science. Collective action enables more refined spatial management and the establishment of networks of protected habitats that can better accommodate the long-range movements of migratory species. These collaborative efforts exemplify how open science and transboundary cooperation are foundational to tackling the challenges of marine conservation in the Anthropocene.
In conclusion, this transformative research galvanizes a paradigm shift in ocean conservation—moving from isolated, static MPAs to a dynamic, multi-dimensional strategy integrating spatial protection with threat mitigation. It underscores the complexities in balancing human activities such as fishing and shipping with the ecological imperatives of preserving marine megafauna. The urgent call for enhanced global collaboration, adaptive management, and innovative conservation tools reflects the critical necessity to steward the ocean’s largest inhabitants through an era of rapid environmental change, securing the resilience of marine ecosystems for future generations.
Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets
News Publication Date: 5-Jun-2025
Web References:
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: https://www.whoi.edu/
- MegaMove Project: https://oceandecade.org/actions/megamove-overhauling-conservation-of-highly-migratory-marine-megafauna-at-global-scale/
- UN High Seas Treaty: https://highseasalliance.org/treaty-negotiations/
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: https://prod.drupal.www.infra.cbd.int/sites/default/files/2022-12/221222-CBD-PressRelease-COP15-Final.pdf
- Science Journal Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adl0239
References: Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.adl0239
Image Credits: Photo by Ryan Daly
Keywords: Science policy, Observational studies, Population studies
