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What lies underneath: conserving the oceans' genetic resources
Jesús M Arrieta1, Sophie Arnaud-Haond, Carlos M Duarte
1Department of Global Change Research, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07190 Esporles, Mallorca, Spain. txetxu@imedea.uib-csic.es
Summary
Marine genetic resources (MGRs) are increasingly utilized for biotechnology and medicine. Urgent policy revisions are needed to protect these resources, especially in international waters, ensuring sustainable use and benefit sharing.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Biotechnology
- Conservation science
Background:
- Oceans cover 70% of Earth's surface, harboring immense biodiversity, including unique phyla.
- Human use of marine species is rapidly expanding for aquaculture, natural products, and genetic resources.
- Marine genetic resources (MGRs) are a growing source of biotechnological and business opportunities, evidenced by numerous patents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing human appropriation of marine genetic resources (MGRs).
- To advocate for revising marine protected area policies to include MGR protection.
- To address challenges in regulating MGR exploitation in international waters and patenting issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on MGR utilization and patent data.
- Analysis of current policies regarding marine protected areas and international waters.
- Identification of legal and ethical challenges in MGR exploitation.
Main Results:
- Over 18,000 natural products and 4,900 patents linked to marine genes indicate significant MGR use.
- Patents associated with marine genes are increasing by 12% annually.
- Lack of a universal legal framework for MGRs in international waters poses protection challenges.
Conclusions:
- The growing exploitation of MGRs necessitates an urgent update of marine conservation policies.
- Integrating MGR protection into marine protected areas is crucial for sustainable use and preventing biopiracy.
- Establishing clear legal frameworks for MGRs is essential for equitable benefit sharing and future innovation.
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