Sharks and rays are facing increasing anthropogenic pressure globally, including in the Pacific. However, data on their status and biodiversity are lacking for many Pacific Large Ocean Island States. This study aimed to construct a species checklist for the sharks and rays occurring in the Solomon Islands, review the human interactions with these species, and present a synthesis of their conservation status.
A comprehensive biodiversity assessment of the Southern Lau Islands conducted by Conservation International (CI) and partners recorded six new fish species. the report said it included 39 newly identified species.
Satellite technology has been helping scientists track the Pacific Ocean Blob since its discovery in 2014.
New Caledonia has made encouraging progress in ocean protection over the past several years, but much of its waters remain in need of protection.
We report on preliminary observations of the abyssal megafauna communities in the exclusive economic zone of Kiribati, a huge abyssal area with few previous studies. These observations also provide useful context for marine minerals exploration within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and for the neighboring Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), where deep-sea mining operations are planned... The results of this study are preliminary observations that will be useful to guide future biological survey design and marine spatial planning strategies.
Coming to a science museum IMAX theater near you, Hidden Pacific reveals never-before-seen footage of the Pacific Ocean’s marine national monuments. These critical ocean habitats are spaces designated for important scientific ecological research.
Almost 790 meters below the surface, the Ocean Exploration Trust expedition recorded the unusual discovery on YouTube and other social networks on video.
States at the United Nations have begun negotiating a new treaty to strengthen the legal regime for marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Failure to ensure the full scope of fish biodiversity is covered could result in thousands of species continuing to slip through the cracks of a fragmented global ocean governance framework.
Atolls are small, geographically isolated, resource-poor islands scattered over vast expanses of ocean. There is little potential for modern economic or commercial development, and most Pacific Island atoll countries and communities depend almost entirely on their limited biodiversity inheritances for ecological, economic, and cultural survival in a rapidly globalizing world.
The third session of negotiations on the preservation of marine biodiversity in the high seas, held under a UN Intergovernmental Conference, ended in New York on 30 August. However, negotiations only resulted in a framework for a future treaty.