June 2009 Review of the implementation of the provisions of UN GA resolution 61/105 related to the management of high seas bottom fisheries

Powerpoint Presentations:

• Predicting the distribution of cold-water corals & protections to date
  Jeff Ardron, Director High Seas
  Marine Conservation Biology Institute
• Review of the implementation of the UN GA agreement to protect deep-sea ecosystems on the high seas
  Matthew Gianni, Political and Policy Advisor
  Deep Sea Conservation Coalition

Figure 1. South Atlantic Ocean cold water coral habitat suitability (Davies and Guinotte, in prep). The habitat prediction depicted is for the six species of 'reef-forming' cold water scleractinian corals (Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata, Goniocorella dumosa, Oculina varicosa, Enallopsammia profunda, Solenosmilia variabilis). These species form large reef structures, which can be tens of meters in height and kilometers in length and are important habitat, feeding grounds, and nursery areas for many commercially important fish species. Methodology used to determine habitat suitability can be found in Davies et al. 2008. Spatial resolution of the habitat suitability model is 1km x 1km. Click here for high-res version.

Figure 2. North Atlantic Ocean cold water coral habitat suitability (Davies and Guinotte, in prep). Model results indicate there is high probability for extensive VME habitat in high seas waters of the North Atlantic, which are currently not protected from destructive fishing methods. Click here for high-res version.

Davies AJ, Wisshak M, Orr JC, Roberts JM (2008) Predicting suitable habitat for the cold-water reef framework-forming coral Lophelia pertusa (Scleractinia). Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers 55:1048-1062

Davies AJ and JM Guinotte. In Preparation. Predicted global habitat suitability for reef forming cold water scleractinian corals.

Other DSCC reports:

• Progress report on the Implementation of UN General Assembly resolution 61/105 (January 2009)
• DSCC Update (November 2008)
• DSCC Review (September 2008)
• DSCC Update (June 2008)
• DSCC Update (April 2008)

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) coverage of Tenth Session of the Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea