Establishing Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Southern Ocean is essential for protecting the ecosystem from human activities, according to researchers.
A research team from the University of Colorado Boulder has discovered 30 new areas that are crucial for preserving biodiversity in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. Their findings, published on August 15 in the journal Conservation Biology, emphasize that unless we enhance protections to mitigate human activities in these zones, local wildlife could suffer severe population decline.
“Numerous species are exclusive to the Southern Ocean, and each plays a significant role in its ecosystem,” stated Cassandra Brooks, the senior author of the paper and an associate professor in Environmental Studies at CU Boulder. “Even though Antarctica and the Southern Ocean may seem distant, their ecosystems and living creatures are vital for maintaining global systems,”
The Southern Ocean hosts many cherished species such as Adélie penguins, Weddell seals, and humpback whales. Its isolated location and extreme conditions—such as freezing temperatures and vast ice coverage—have so far shielded its biodiversity from human interference.
“In an era of mass extinction, Antarctica’s Southern Ocean is among the rare places globally where no known species have gone extinct,” remarked Sarah Becker, the lead author and a Ph.D. student at CU Boulder.
However, with climate change leading to warmer temperatures and melting ice, fishing and tourism in the region are on the rise. These human activities not only compete with wildlife for vital resources but may also introduce stress, invasive species, and diseases that local wildlife are not equipped to combat.
Becker, Brooks, and their team set out to pinpoint Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) that are essential for the survival of various species in the Southern Ocean.
They utilized existing tracking data for 13 species of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds and seals—such as Adélie penguins, sooty albatrosses, and southern elephant seals—to locate 30 KBAs throughout the Southern Ocean. These areas represent vital marine habitats where species go for feeding, breeding, and migration.
Earlier efforts to designate conservation zones in the Southern Ocean typically aggregated different species into a single dataset to find areas that are important for several species. While this approach is essential for conservation efforts, it may miss specific areas that are critical for individual species owing to their unique life cycles and migration habits, Becker noted.
For instance, the team discovered two extensive areas near Amanda Bay in East Antarctica that serve as crucial feeding grounds for many emperor penguins during their post-breeding recovery. They also identified several significant locations near Campbell Island south of New Zealand where a breeding group of endangered grey-headed albatrosses find food. Other significant conservation initiatives, like Important Bird Areas or Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas, had not recognized these sites as high priorities.
“Our research bridges the broader view with the specific needs of individual populations, providing an important layer of detail,” Becker explained.
The researchers hope their findings will guide international organizations and governments in crafting conservation strategies and deciding where to limit fishing activities.
“By minimizing fishing or tourism activities in these key biodiversity zones, we can enhance the chances for these animals to adapt and build resilience against climate change,” Brooks said, who is also affiliated with CU Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research.
The Southern Ocean serves as a crucial buffer against climate change, absorbing 40% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity globally, along with 60-90% of the heat generated from climate change.
“Though Antarctica may seem remote, the events occurring there have widespread implications,” Brooks stated. “For example, wildfires in Colorado are connected to developments in the Southern Ocean. By improving protections for Antarctica, we can contribute to creating a more sustainable world for everyone.”
