How migrating marine megafauna tracks with conservation

Journal article : Comment

Despite growing global commitments to protect ocean biodiversity, conservation falls short in safeguarding the species most vital to ocean health. On page 1086 of this issue, Sequeira et al. (1) report an extensive dataset representing 15,000 tracked marine megafauna and show that less than 8% of the area used by tracked individuals overlaps with designated marine protected areas. By identifying specific, predictable areas that remain largely outside existing conservation frameworks, the authors propose important marine megafauna areas. As policy-makers rally behind ambitious targets, including the 30×30 goal—to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030—and the United Nations High Seas Treaty, the findings of Sequeira et al. offer an empirical foundation to align conservation efforts with the movements and needs of highly migratory marine species.

Authors: Gerber, LR; Davis, K

• Publication status: Published
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Journal: Science
• Volume: 388
• Issue: 6751
• Pages: 1022-1023
• Publication date: 2025-06-05
• Acceptance date: 2025-05-19
• DOI: 10.1126/science.ady4423
• EISSN: 1095-9203
• ISSN: 0036-8075
• Pmid: 40472111
• Language: English
• Keywords: animals; animal migration; aquatic organisms; conservation of natural resources; oceans and seas
• Subtype: Comment