2026: The Half Ocean Conservation Initiative: Conserving the Hidden Depths of the World’s Ocean via a 3-D Biodiversity Assessment for the Mesopelagic Realm (Environmental Defense Fund)
The ocean’s mesopelagic zone provides critical global climate and ecosystem functions but is neglected in most conservation frameworks. New international ocean policy developments provide a timely window to protect mesopelagic organisms, but we need novel tools to translate the 3-D structure and linkages of mesopelagic communities to operational spatial management advice. We will leverage a global high-resolution marine species distribution model to identify priority areas for mesopelagic protection. Based on these outcomes, we will incorporate mesopelagic priority areas into ongoing high seas protected area proposals, and develop guidance for incorporating 3-D mesopelagic ecosystems and functions into international and national biodiversity conservation commitments.and stabilizing the climate.
Cornell: Gary Tabor (Cornell CALS / Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment / Natural Resources and the Environment Section)
EDF: Julia Mason (Social-ecological Systems Scientist)