Scientists Map Essential Habitats for Threatened Whales in Northwest Atlantic and Caribbean
Forty-three new Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) have been identified in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and Wider Caribbean region, marking a significant milestone in marine conservation efforts. These areas spotlight crucial habitats for threatened marine life, including blue whales, North Atlantic right whales, Rice’s whales, and sperm whales, as well as manatees and polar bears.
The newly designated areas span from southern Labrador to Venezuela, covering approximately a quarter of the Atlantic Ocean. This rich marine ecosystem hosts numerous species, including various dolphin species and deep-diving beaked whales. Notably, some of these species, such as the North Atlantic right whale and the recently identified Rice’s whale, are found exclusively in this region.
“It is remarkable, and a credit to all those involved in this truly global process, that the results of this latest workshop mean that 79% of the world ocean has now been carefully and systematically scrutinised for potential IMMAs. The next important step in this process is that policy makers reflect upon these new designations and engage in developing measures to ensure that marine mammals are protected within their homes. One example would be to use IMMAs for identifying high-risk areas for ship strikes,” says Mark Simmonds, Director of Science at OceanCare.
IMMAs are defined as discrete portions of habitat vital to marine mammal species that can be delineated and managed for conservation purposes. While not legally binding, these designations represent independent, peer-reviewed assessments based on the best available scientific data.
At a time when fishing and shipping has expanded along with proposed seismic exploring for hydrocarbons and rare minerals in the seabed, these designations take on particular significance. “IMMAs are proving to be a way to give whales, dolphins and other marine mammals a seat at the negotiating table,” explains Erich Hoyt, co-chair of the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force and Whale and Dolphin Conservation research fellow.
The global IMMA network now encompasses 323 areas, with IMMAs comprising nearly 18% of the examined ocean surface. This latest addition is particularly significant as it includes the first IMMA for the Rice’s whale in the Gulf of Mexico and recognises crucial areas for polar bears, harp seals, and hooded seals in the Southern Labrador Pack Ice Whelping Area.
“We need to keep in mind the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030,” emphasises Task Force co-chair and Tethys Research Institute founder Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, who calls on governments “to take action to utilise the IMMA tool in marine spatial planning, for performing environmental impact assessments, and in the creation of marine protected areas.”
The scientific workshop that led to these designations involved 57 participants from 14 countries, representing some of the region’s leading marine mammal scientists. Their work was supported by a grant from the Water Revolution Foundation, with additional funding and collaboration from the Sargasso Sea Commission, OceanCare and Animal Welfare Institute. Essential administrative support was given by Tethys Research Institute and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
These new IMMAs represent a crucial step toward the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, providing essential information for policymakers and stakeholders working to safeguard marine ecosystems and their inhabitants.
For more information about IMMAs and to access detailed maps and documentation, visit the IMMA e-Atlas at: www.marinemammalhabitat.org/imma-eatlas/
