Programme Cooperation Agreement 2012 – 2013

New global map of seafloor geomorphology Through a joint initiative of Conservation International, 40 GRID-Arendal and Geoscience Australia, 41 a new global map of seafloor geomorphology has been created. Seafloor geomorphology is one of the more useful of the physical attributes of the seabed mapped and measured by marine scientists for ocean management. This is because different geomorphic features (such as submarine canyons, seamounts, spreading ridges, escarpments, plateaus, trenches) are commonly asso- ciated with particular suites of habitats and biological communities. Prior to this new product, our best avail- able global seafloor geomorphic features map was over 30 years old. In addition to the new global seafloor map, experts from GRID-Arendal and Geoscience Australia edited an atlas of seafloor geomorphic features and benthic habitats.

lona Convention provides a critical framework for setting standards and targets acceptable to all the Contracting Parties, as well as for sharing necessary information. SIGNIFICANT OUTCOME: SoMMCER Feedback from the UNEP/MAP Coordinating Unit indicates that the SoMMCER approach and graphics have been very useful, not just for displaying information but also for eliciting really constructive discussion about what is known and not known about the Mediterranean, and its delivery of ecosystem services. In addition, the report has helped conservation NGOs build a case for a new and improved management regime for marine mammals, by assessing the current state of knowledge on the topic. Further afield, the head of the Coastal Zone unit in Barbados, Dr. Lorna Innis, who is a member of the Group of Experts for the WOA, said that the SoMMCER has influenced how she and other Group of Experts members are shaping the WOA.

40. http://www.conservation.org/Pages/default.aspx 41. http://www.ga.gov.au/

Hadal canyon guyot seamount bridge sill escarpment

Shelf - high profile Shelf - medium profile Shelf - low profile Slope Abyss - mountains Abyss - hills Abyss - plains

shelf valley rift valley glacial trough trough ridge spreading ridge fan/apron

rise terrace trench plateau ocean boundaries

A new global seafloor geomorphic features map (GSFM) has been created by GRID-Arendal. The GSFM includes 131,190 separate polygons in 29 geomorphic feature categories and shows that less than 5% of seamounts, shelf valleys, submarine canyons, mid-ocean spreading ridges and rift valleys are managed in marine protected areas globally. The GSFM provides a foundation on which to build a global scale understanding of the living and non-living resources of the ocean – supplemented by interpretation and other spatial data it will help improve decision making on a range of global issues like food security, resource use and conservation.

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