Towards a scientific community consensus on designating Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems from imagery

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16024
• Publication Date: 2023-10-12T07:49:17Z
• Authors: Amy R. Baco; Rebecca Ross; Franziska Althaus; Diva Amon; Amelia E. H. Bridges; Saskia Brix; Pål Buhl-Mortensen; Ana Colaco; Marina Carreiro-S...; Malcolm R. Clark; Cherisse Du Preez; Mari-Lise Franken; Matthew Gianni; Genoveva Gonzalez...; Thomas Hourigan; Kerry Howell; Lisa A. Levin; Dhugal J. Lindsay; Tina N. Molodtsova; Nicole Morgan; Telmo Morato; Beatriz E. Mejia-...; David O’Sullivan; Tabitha Pearman; David Price; Katleen Robert; Laura Robson; Ashley A. Rowden; James Taylor; Michelle Taylor; Lissette Victorero; Les Watling; Alan Williams; Joana R. Xavier; Chris Yesson
• Keywords: Identification; Marine ecosystem; Bycatch

Management of deep-sea fisheries in areas beyond national jurisdiction by Regional Fisheries Organizations/Arrangements (RFMO/As) requires identification with Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). Currently, data, including trawl and longline bycatch are used many RFMO/As to inform the VMEs. However, collection such data creates impacts there is a need collect non-invasive for VME monitoring purposes. Imagery from scientific surveys satisfies this requirement, but currently no established framework identifying VMEs images. Thus, goal study was bring together large international team determine current assessment protocols establish preliminary global consensus guidelines An initial showed lack consistency among RFMO/A regions regarding what considered indicator taxon, hence variability how might be defined. In certain cases, experts agreed that could identified single image, most often scleractinian reefs, dense octocoral gardens, multiple species' co-occurrence, chemosynthetic ecosystems. A decision flow chart presented gives practical interpretation FAO criteria To further evaluate steps related density, were compiled assess whether scientists perceived similar density thresholds across regions. The range observed densities values varied considerably statistical difference compared images not VME. Further work required develop an areal extent index, include measure confidence, increase our understanding levels diversity correspond key ecosystem functions taxa. Based on results, following recommendations made: 1. There which taxa indicators. 2. should consider adopting use imagery as alternative (or complement) using designating 3. also included Impact Assessments. And 4. All industries impact seafloor, just fisheries, detect identify