CMS COP15 Delivers Landmark Protection for Seamounts and Many Migratory Marine Species
The Fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15) has concluded in Campo Grande, Brazil (23–29 March 2026), marking an important step forward for the protection of migratory marine species and their habitats.
The outcomes of the CMS COP15 represent a significant opportunity to improve protection for seamounts and many migratory species, including sharks, whales, and others. 40 species were added to the CMS Appendices — including the scalloped and great hammerhead shark and three thresher shark species — affording them a higher level of international protection. A new Resolution was adopted to better protect seamounts as critical habitats for migratory species, and a separate decision affirmed the need for the utmost precaution in protecting the deep sea. The work to address aquatic wild meat was also endorsed and will be intensified.
OceanCare was present throughout the week, engaging directly on key marine issues including seamount and deep-sea protection, and advocating for stronger cooperation between CMS and other international bodies such as the new High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) and the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Further details on the key outcomes of CMS COP15 are provided below.
Vulnerable seamount ecosystems protected
The adoption of a landmark resolution on seamounts was the most outstanding success at CMS COP15. These are wholly submerged underwater mountains that rise from the seabed, providing vital habitat for many marine species. Parties adopted a new resolution recognising seamounts as critical habitats and navigational landmarks for a wide range of migratory marine species, including whales, dolphins, sharks and rays, turtles, and seabirds. These underwater mountains support key life stages of migratory species. They act as ecological oases in the open ocean – vital waypoints along migration routes – concentrating biological productivity and providing critical feeding, breeding, and spawning areas. They are navigational landmarks across vast ocean basins.
Laetitia Nunny, Senior Science Officer at OceanCare and who attended the COP15 noted:
“The resolution on seamounts highlights growing concern over pressures on these important and vulnerable ecosystems. The resolution urges Parties to protect seamounts from destructive fishing practices and overfishing, as well as other threats, and we really hope to see decisive steps taken in the coming months to ensure that this protection is put into place.”
The adopted text urges Parties and relevant organisations to strengthen protection of seamount ecosystems both within and beyond national jurisdiction, including through improved impact assessments and area-based management measures. It also calls for enhanced international cooperation, including through regional fisheries bodies and the implementation of the new BBNJ Agreement, as well as increased research and collaboration with indigenous peoples, local communities, scientists and other stakeholders. By emphasizing ecological connectivity and the need for coordinated global action, the resolution marks an important step toward safeguarding these vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems and maintaining the migratory routes and life cycles they support.
Continued concern over deep seabed mineral exploitation
Equally important was the debate around deep-sea mining. At its last meeting (COP14), after much debate, the CMS parties agreed that so little was known about the potential impacts of this activity that it should be viewed in a precautionary way and not be conducted. COP15 essentially reinforced this position and, in addition, will publish a new technical report on this important issue.
Focus on a frequently disregarded threat: the exploitation of species for Aquatic Wild Meat
The trafficking and consumption of aquatic wild meat, which includes migratory fish, sea turtles, and cetaceans, is a serious issue demanding immediate international action. Many freshwater and marine species are directly threatened by the growing demand for aquatic wild meat, according to technical discussions held during the conference. This pressure, which is frequently exacerbated by bycatch and irresponsible fishing methods, is hastening the already concerning loss of biodiversity worldwide. At COP15 Parties agreed the terms of reference for the work that will be undertaken on this over the next three years.
Maximin Djondo, Executive Director of Benin Environment and Education Society and Chair of the CMS Working Group on Aquatic Wild Meat noted that: “Parties in West Africa have committed to continue working to address the threat of taking migratory species as aquatic wild meat. Other regions have also recognised the importance of this issue and will start tackling it with the help of the Aquatic Wild Meat Working Group.”
More vital work needed especially to put words into action
Mark Simmonds, OceanCare’s Director of Science, who attended the COP as the Scientific Councillor for Marine Pollution: “The decisions that have been made at this COP are all aimed at strengthening protective actions at national and international levels for the species and habitats concerned. There is much to celebrate in this but for it is also a reminder that a growing number of species and populations are threatened. The international community needs to not only make promises for conservation but also take the necessary practical actions.”
Important workstreams on marine pollution and animal culture were also endorsed.
