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Making marine life count: a new baseline for policy
Meryl J Williams1, Jesse Ausubel, Ian Poiner
1Scientific Steering Committee, Census of Marine Life, 17 Agnew Street, Aspley, Qld, 4034 Australia. MerylJWilliams@gmail.com
Plos Biology
|November 5, 2010
Summary
The Census of Marine Life advances ocean biodiversity discovery and tracking, supporting global conservation efforts and marine environmental planning for a healthier planet.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Oceanography
- Biodiversity science
Background:
- The Convention on Biological Diversity requires ongoing assessment of marine ecosystems.
- Effective marine environmental planning necessitates accurate biodiversity data.
- Understanding ocean life is crucial for global ecological balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of the Census of Marine Life in supporting international biodiversity agreements.
- To showcase the capabilities of the Census of Marine Life in discovering and monitoring marine species.
- To demonstrate how the Census of Marine Life informs marine environmental planning.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive global surveys and taxonomic research.
- Development of standardized monitoring protocols.
- Data synthesis and accessibility platforms.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in cataloging marine species and their distributions.
- Identification of key biodiversity hotspots and vulnerable ecosystems.
- Establishment of a foundational dataset for marine ecosystem assessment.
Conclusions:
- The Census of Marine Life provides essential data for the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Continuous monitoring of ocean biodiversity is vital for effective conservation.
- The initiative supports informed marine environmental management and policy.
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