The Important Marine Mammal Area network: a tool for systematic spatial planning in response to the marine mammal habitat conservation crisis

Michael J. Tetley*, Gill Braulik, Caterina Lanfredi, Gianna Minton, Simone Panigada, Elena Politi, Margherita Zanardelli, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Erich Hoyt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) initiative was launched by the Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in 2016, as a response to a conservation crisis in the protection of marine mammals and wider global ocean biodiversity. IMMAs identify discrete portions of habitat that are important for one or more marine mammal species, and that have the potential to be delineated and managed for conservation. They are identified by scientific experts during regional workshops, on the basis of satisfying one or more of eight criteria that capture critical aspects of marine mammal biology, ecology and population structure. Candidate IMMAs undergo independent scientific review prior to being accepted, and then are publicly available via a searchable and downloadable database and a dedicated online e-Atlas. Between 2016 and 2021, eight expert workshops - engaging more than 300 experts - have resulted in the identification of 173 IMMAs located in 90 countries or territories, across a third of the globe. IMMAs identified to date provide important habitats for 58 of the 131 recognized marine mammal species. Around two-thirds of all IMMAs (65%) were identified on the basis of important habitat for a marine mammal species that is threatened on the IUCN Red List. Approximately 61% of IMMA surface areas occur within Exclusive Economic Zone waters, while 39% fall within areas beyond national jurisdiction. The Task Force undertook implementation planning exercises for IMMAs in Palau (Micronesia), the Andaman Islands (India) and the Bazaruto Archipelago and Inhambane Bay (Mozambique), engaging with a range of stakeholders including government and management bodies. IMMAs are increasingly being utilized in environmental impact assessments, marine planning exercises and in international, national and supra-regional conservation, policy and management initiatives, including the Convention on Migratory Species and Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as the design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the extension of MPA networks. The Task Force is working toward completing a global network of IMMAs that will contribute the scientific information needed to fulfill the current collective goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Original languageEnglish
Article number841789
Number of pages13
JournalFrontiers in Marine Science
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Ecologically or biologically significant marine areas
  • Convention on biological diversity
  • Convention on migratory species
  • Key biodiversity areas
  • Conservation
  • Management
  • Marine policy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Important Marine Mammal Area network: a tool for systematic spatial planning in response to the marine mammal habitat conservation crisis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this