Conservation priorities for global marine biodiversity across multiple dimensions

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Conservation science
• Genomics

Background:

• Marine biodiversity underpins vital ocean ecosystem services and economic value.
• Species, genetic, and phylogenetic diversity are key dimensions of marine biodiversity.
• Current marine protected areas cover only 2.8% of the ocean, necessitating global conservation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatial distribution of marine genetic and phylogenetic diversity.
• To identify global conservation priority areas for marine biodiversity.
• To determine the ocean area required to conserve multiple dimensions of biodiversity under the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 80,075 mitochondrial DNA barcode sequences from 4,316 species.
• Construction of a novel phylogenetic tree encompassing 8,166 species.
• Spatial analysis of biodiversity distribution across multiple dimensions.

Main Results:

• High levels of marine biodiversity were identified in the Central Indo-Pacific, Central Pacific, and Western Indian Oceans.
• These regions are proposed as critical conservation priority areas.
• Protecting approximately 22% of the ocean is estimated to conserve 95% of known taxonomic, genetic, and phylogenetic diversity.

Conclusions:

• The study provides crucial insights into the spatial patterns of marine biodiversity.
• Findings support the designation of specific ocean regions as conservation priorities.
• A strategic approach to ocean conservation can effectively protect multiple dimensions of marine biodiversity.