May 2016: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released two reports that present the state of knowledge on mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) and regional oceans governance mechanisms.

The coral reefs that most people swim, snorkel and dive in occur in well-lit shadow waters; below them, lies an extensive coral reef ecosystem, known as MCEs, which are the focus of UNEP’s report, ‘Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems: A lifeboat for coral reefs?’ The report examines whether these intermediate depth reefs, which are typically not considered in conservation planning and management, can serve as “lifeboats” for coral reef ecosystems. The report presents the state of knowledge on MCEs, the threats they face, gaps in knowledge about these ecosystems, and their potential contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development) and other related SDGs.

Initial findings on MCEs suggest that these ecosystems may be resistant to some climate change impacts and may be able to help restock damaged or destroyed shallow-water coral reefs and fish populations. The report cautions, however, that this finding is species-dependent: some MCEs may be as vulnerable as shallow reefs. To improve the conservation and management of MCEs, the report recommends that resource managers, inter alia: identify MCEs and threats to MCES in their jurisdiction; expand shallow reef monitoring programmes to include MCE habitats; and include MCEs in marine spatial planning.

The report, ‘Regional Oceans Governance: Making Regional Seas programmes, regional fishery bodies and large marine ecosystem mechanisms work better together’ aims to clarify distinctions among the mandates of Regional Seas programmes, which are coordinated or supported by UNEP; regional fishery bodies (RFBs), some of which are established under Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO); and large marine ecosystem (LME) mechanisms, most of which are supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The report discusses the role of these regional oceans governance mechanisms within the context of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), its Implementing Agreements and negotiations on a new international legally-binding instrument on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).

While Regional Seas programmes and RFBs are well established, the report observes that many of the problems they seek to address “remain as pressing as when they were founded,” including challenges related to the over-exploitation of species and land-based pollution. The report also observes that many Regional Seas programmes lack modern, well-funded institutions, while LME mechanisms face challenges related to stakeholder support.

The report recommends approaches to ensure ecosystem-based management (EBM), including by strengthening existing regional ocean governance mechanisms; creating new regional oceans governance mechanisms; and enhancing cooperation and coordination. [UNEP Knowledge Repository] [Publication: Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems: A lifeboat for coral reefs?] [Publication: Regional Oceans Governance: Making Regional Seas programmes, regional fishery bodies and large marine ecosystem mechanisms work better together]