Marine Environmental High Risk Areas: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

Marine Environmental High Risk Areas: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

Marine environmental high risk areas (MEHRAs) are regions of the ocean that have high ecological, social, or economic value and are vulnerable to the impacts of human activities, such as shipping, fishing, or oil and gas exploration. MEHRAs are identified by various criteria, such as the presence of endangered or threatened species, habitats, or ecosystems; the provision of essential services or benefits to human well-being; or the occurrence of sensitive or unique features, such as coral reefs, seamounts, or hydrothermal vents.

MEHRAs are important for several reasons. First, they help to protect the biodiversity and functioning of marine ecosystems, which support a variety of life forms and processes on Earth. Second, they contribute to the resilience and adaptation of marine systems to environmental changes, such as climate change, ocean acidification, or pollution. Third, they enhance the sustainability and profitability of marine industries, such as tourism, fisheries, or aquaculture, by ensuring the availability and quality of resources and services. Fourth, they safeguard the cultural and spiritual values and rights of coastal communities and indigenous peoples, who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods and identities.

However, MEHRAs face many threats and challenges from human activities and natural disturbances. These include habitat degradation and loss, overexploitation of resources, invasive species, noise pollution, collisions with vessels, oil spills, or marine debris. These threats can compromise the integrity and functionality of MEHRAs and reduce their benefits to humans and nature. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective management and conservation measures for MEHRAs, such as spatial planning, marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, monitoring and enforcement, stakeholder engagement, or education and awareness.

MEHRAs are not a new concept in marine management and policy. They have been recognized and applied by various international conventions and agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, there is no universal definition or standard methodology for identifying and delineating MEHRAs. Different organizations and countries may use different terms and criteria for MEHRAs, such as ecologically or biologically significant areas (EBSAs), particularly sensitive sea areas (PSSAs), vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs), or key biodiversity areas (KBAs). This can create confusion and inconsistency in the identification and management of MEHRAs across regions and sectors.

Therefore, there is a need for harmonization and coordination among different actors and initiatives involved in MEHRAs. This can be achieved by developing a common framework and guidance for defining and mapping MEHRAs based on the best available scientific information and stakeholder input. Such a framework can facilitate the integration of MEHRAs into national and regional marine policies and plans and promote cooperation and collaboration among different jurisdictions and sectors. Moreover, it can support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

References:

– Ardron JA et al. 2014. Defining ecologically or biologically significant areas: an update on global efforts. Ocean Yearbook Online 28: 229-261.
– Douvere F et al. 2017. The role of marine spatial planning in implementing ecosystem-based,
sea use management. Marine Policy 32: 759-768.
– IMO 2016. Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA). Available at: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/PSSAs/Pages/Default.aspx
– UNEP-WCMC 2016. Marine Protected Planet: An online interface for exploring data from the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). Cambridge UK: UNEP-WCMC.