The EBSAs are special areas in the ocean that serve important purposes, in one way or another, to support the healthy functioning of oceans and the many services that it provides. The ocean is under increasing threat from various human activities. The most pressing threats come from overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities. Other emerging problems include marine debris, ship-based marine pollution, transfer of alien invasive species, illegal dumping and the legacy of historical dumping, seabed mineral extraction, and noise pollution.
Background on the Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) process
Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs): Western South Pacific
Identifying Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas on Seamounts
