Decisions 15.61 to 15.64 - Conserving Seamount Ecosystems
Aquatic Species Conservation Issues
.
Decision directed to: Parties
Parties are requested to:
a) prioritize the protection of seamount ecosystems from multiple threats, including but not limited to overfishing and destructive fishing practices that threaten their conservation and, as necessary, identify and implement appropriate area-based protection measures, including marine protected areas;
b) focus research efforts on the role of seamount ecosystems in supporting migratory species throughout their life cycles and habitat ranges;
c) strengthen and enhance cooperation with and promote cooperation among relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies in the achievement of the conservation of seamount ecosystems.
Decision directed to: Parties, IGOs & NGOs
Parties, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are encouraged to collaborate in the protection of seamount ecosystems from multiple threats, including but not limited to overfishing and destructive fishing practices.
Decision directed to: Scientific Council
The Scientific Council is requested to:
a) collaborate with international experts to identify vulnerable seamount ecosystems which should be given priority, considering both the ecological connectivity between these ecosystems and migratory species, and appropriate protection measures, if required;
b) review, taking into account best available data and information on impacts and biodiversity, any guidelines and management tools for the conservation, sustainable management, and research of seamount ecosystems developed as foreseen in Decision 15.64.
Decision directed to: Secretariat
Where appropriate, the Secretariat shall, in collaboration with Parties and subject to the availability of resources, develop and disseminate guidelines and management tools for the conservation, sustainable management, and research of seamount ecosystems that are particularly important for migratory species, with a focus on maintaining ecological connectivity and migratory pathways.