Seamounts and other deep-sea vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs), like deepwater corals, sponges and hydrothermal vents, are oases of biodiversity and crucial for ocean health. These habitats provide essential refuge for a wide variety of marine life, support intricate oceanic food webs, and are increasingly recognized as being vulnerable to the impacts of the global climate crisis.
Seamounts are, however, threatened by the ongoing impacts of destructive fishing practices, particularly deep-sea bottom trawling.
For over two decades, international bodies, scientists and conservation organizations have highlighted this threat and called for the protection of seamounts and other VMEs. Although some progress has been made, significant implementation gaps remain. Urgent action is still needed to ensure full protection of these critical ecosystems.
Read the factsheet here.