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The clinical significance of lung tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) has been extensively studied, and is recognized as a unique pattern of invasion. Previous studies of STAS have focused primarily on STAS in alveolar spaces, whereas STAS in the bronchiolar spaces (bronchiolar STAS) has been described in only a few case reports only. Here, we examined 306 cases of primary lung adenocarcinoma and found that bronchiolar STAS was present in 18%. Bronchiolar STAS was associated with an inferior prognosis, more advanced stage, and higher histologic grade. No significant difference in clinicopathological factors or prognosis was observed between cases with bronchiolar STAS and those with alveolar STAS alone. Notably, bronchiolar STAS often occurred simultaneously with alveolar STAS and endobronchial spread of adenocarcinoma, particularly when bronchiolar STAS was present outside the main tumor. We also identified cases where bronchiolar STAS and endobronchial spread of adenocarcinoma occurred simultaneously in the same bronchi or bronchioles located outside the main tumor, as well as cases with bronchiolar STAS adjacent to intrapulmonary metastatic nodules. Our results highlight the significant role of bronchiolar STAS in the aerogenous spread of adenocarcinoma cells. Bronchiolar STAS can be regarded as a histologic variant of alveolar STAS. This study also supports the idea that STAS is not a tissue processing artifact, but a true biological process with clinical implications, offering histologic evidence of aerogenous spread in lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The spread of lung adenocarcinoma cells into the bronchi and bronchioles is not well documented. We termed this histological finding "endobronchial spreading of adenocarcinoma" (EBSA) and investigated its prevalence and clinical significance. Methods and Results: We reviewed 320 resected specimens from patients diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma, and EBSA was observed in 144 patients (45%). EBSA was significantly associated with advanced pathological stage, higher histological grade, larger tumour invasion, lymphovascular infiltration, and spread through air spaces. Patients with EBSA had significantly shorter relapse‐free survival (RFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in univariate analysis (P < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis of patient with small‐sized (invasion size ≤30 mm) adenocarcinoma in the localized stage, EBSA was an independent inferior prognostic indicator in multivariate analysis. In a subgroup analysis of patients with small‐sized Grade 1 nonmucinous adenocarcinoma (n = 61), EBSA was observed in 11 patients, and the presence of EBSA was associated with significantly shorter RFS and CSS (P = 0.026 and P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that EBSA is a significant risk factor for disease recurrence and cancer‐related deaths. EBSA can be regarded as a distinctive pattern of invasion and its recognition can be beneficial in the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: School attendance problems (SAPs) are a concern across education systems worldwide. SAPs are disproportionally experienced by certain groups of children, in particular those with mental health difficulties. Existing literature has identified myriad factors, including those proximal and distal, that influence attendance for these children. Most studies to date have focused on linear relationships between a small number of variables and fail to differentiate between types of SAPs (Heyne et al., 2019). A broader understanding of the complex context of school attendance problems remains understudied and is the focus of the current study. Method: Using a qualitative design, we explored a) the SAP typologies and b) the individual characteristics and education-related needs associated with the school attendance problems of 15 children receiving mental health services at a community clinic. Findings: Analyses of client files indicated that a) emotionally based school avoidance was the most common typology, b) approximately half the sample experienced one type of attendance problem while half experienced multiple types, c) anxiety was experienced by all children, and d) emotional, behavioural, social, and academic needs were noted in relation to SAPs over time. Our findings reflect the complex and varied profiles of students who share the experience of having significant school attendance problems. Limitations: Limitations of our study include potential bias introduced through the multi-step data extraction process, a reliance on the judgement of clinicians, and a lack of full access to data caused by Covid-19 restrictions. Conclusions: Future research and practice would benefit from a differentiated approach to understanding, preventing, and intervening to improve attendance and broad success for students with mental health difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim(s): The present study explored perspectives of school staff, who shared their experiences of facilitators and barriers to mainstream school 'emotional based school avoidance' (EBSA) initiatives and practices, and school-aged pupils presenting with EBSA, who described what supported or hindered their school experiences. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six mainstream school staff and seven school-aged pupils who have engaged in EBSA. Staff interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), and pupil interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: Six main themes emerged across the two samples, two of which are presented in the present study: for school staff, 'Systemic and Unanticipated Barriers'; and for pupils, 'Pupil's Sense of Inclusivity'. Findings from school staff suggest that EBSA initiatives and practices are hindered by financial constraints, less cooperative families, and misalignment with external partners, who may function according to different working models. For pupils, the findings suggest their experience is facilitated when they feel included, accepted, have a sense of school belonging, and where there is attention towards their interests, strengths, and achievements. Limitations: This research did not capture parent voices, even though their involvement is a crucial aspect in supporting their children. Conclusions: This study highlights some of the long-standing (systemic) challenges as well as those associated with multi-agency working and working with families, which threaten to impede effective EBSA initiatives and practices. It also highlights the power of inclusivity and positive relationships for pupils, which may function as a protective factor to their school attendance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to various intergovernmental agreements, marine managers must establish marine conservation measures to prevent the destruction of conservation-relevant benthic habitats e.g. Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME). To aid this process, international “lists” of indicator species and habitats are created based on various conservation “criteria”. As these lists are both generalised and under development, there is a need to create comparable (management) regional lists to ensure regional relevance and to propose new international “list candidates”. This study provides a method to assess management region relevant (hereafter “regional”)/new benthic biotopes for conservation-relevance. Quantitative criteria-linked descriptors (e.g. species richness, predicted area occupancy, etc) are used to rank biotopes, enabling a comparison between listed and new biotopes. This highlights comparatively high-ranking new biotopes as potentially conservation-relevant. In a Norwegian case study, applied to the Barents Sea management region using data from the MAREANO programme, the criteria from three international frameworks (EBSA/Azores, FAO/VME, OSPAR/Texel Faial) are assessed with descriptors obtainable from existing or future baseline datasets (video survey data, biotope classifications, and predictive biotope maps). Here, the method correctly ranks existing listed biotopes highly but it also identifies, for example, a previously unlisted biotope as potentially conservation relevant (Cucumaria sea cucumbers, Eucratea bryozoans, and Thuiaria hydroids on coarse bottoms with highly variable conditions). This biotope is now accepted as having regional significance warranting national conservation attention. The dominant bryozoan has also since been listed as a FAO VME indicator within ICES/NEAFC. Although demonstrated in a region with an outstanding dataset, the method is transferable to anywhere with partial baseline data that can inform biotope classification.

As the new global biodiversity targets kick in, the signatories to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) are searching for means to fulfil their obligations. Fortunately, more than a decade ago a long-neglected solution was created for the marine environment. The ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) provide a means for opening discussions around the management of large marine areas, ideally with conservation as a core priority. While the biological and ecological criteria for the selection of the EBSAs is clearly outlined, there is little clarity on the means to manage or govern these areas. The conservation and management measures are left as a matter to be resolved by those states which maintain some form of jurisdiction over regions within an EBSA. Of course, these measures must be in accordance with international law. Within the Mediterranean there are 15 EBSAs which have been identified and recognised by the parties of the UNEP regional seas programme. For the past four years, technical and scientific discussions have looked to move the EBSA recognition of the Southern Adriatic Ionian Straight (SAIS) forward and identify potential governance frameworks. This work has included a biodiversity threat analysis, a legal and governance review, and a preliminary spatial prioritization. We report on the processes undertaken, the policy implications for the SAIS-EBSA and the way forward. This work has implications not only for this region but for other regions within the Mediterranean and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ægir Ridge System (ARS) is an ancient extinct spreading axis in the Nordic seas extending from the upper slope east of Iceland (~550 m depth), as part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to a depth of ~3,800 m in the Norwegian basin. Geomorphologically a rift valley, the ARS has a canyon-like structure that may promote increased diversity and faunal density. The main objective of this study was to characterize benthic habitats and related macro- and megabenthic communities along the ARS, and the influence of water mass variables and depth on them. During the IceAGE3 expedition (Icelandic marine Animals: Genetics and Ecology) on RV Sonne in June 2020, benthic communities of the ARS were surveyed by means of a remotelyoperated vehicle (ROV) and epibenthic sledge (EBS). For this purpose, two working areas were selected, including abyssal stations in the northeast and bathyal stations in the southwest of the ARS. Video and still images of the seabed were usedtoqualitatively describebenthic habitats based on the presence of habitat-forming taxa and the physical environment. Patterns of diversity and community composition of the soft-sediment macrofauna, retrieved from the EBS, were analyzed in a semiquantitative manner. These biological data were complemented by producing high-resolution bathymetric maps using the vessel's multi-beam echosounder system. As suspected, we were able to identify differences in species composition and number of macro- and megafaunal communities associated with a depth gradient. A biological canyon effect became evident in dense aggregates of megafaunal filter feeders and elevated macrofaunal densities. Analysis of videos and still images from the ROV transects also led to the discovery of a number ofVulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) dominated by sponges and soft corals characteristic of the Arctic region. Directions for future research encompass a more detailed, quantitative study of the megafauna and more coherent sampling over the entire depth range in order to fully capture the diversity of the habitats and biota of the region. The presence of sensitive biogenic habitats, alongside seemingly high biodiversity and naturalness are supportive of ongoing considerations of designating part of the ARS as an ''Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area'' (EBSA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contrasts seven spatial biodiversity conservation area designations by six different bodies: Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); the Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) of the Food And Agriculture Organization (FAO); the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) under criteria developed by the IUCN; the Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs) of the International Seabed Authority (ISA); the Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); and the Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) used by small island States in the Pacific Ocean; on five themes: biological and ecological features, functions served by areas receiving these labels, governance, threats and pressures, and other considerations. The seven different labels for such areas were generally similar in the biologically and ecological criteria to be met, and the functions typically served by these areas. Differences among the labels increased when considering governance, threat and pressures, and other considerations. Implications of these similarities and differences for policy development and outcomes are discussed. Performance reviews of the various labels under these themes could provide insight into both the effectiveness of the provisions in the Agreements and Decisions and how evidence is acquired and used to inform their application, allowing improvements to each approach to learn from experiences with other labels.

The Sargasso Sea is a high seas ecosystem located within the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. The floating Sargassum macroalgae for which it is named support a diverse and productive ocean ecosystem. The floating mats and windrows of Sargassum house distinct communities of animals including endemic species, and provide shelter, nursery areas and food for many others including juvenile turtles, fish, and birds. A decade ago, in 2012, the two million square mile core area of the Sargasso Sea was “described” by the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA), having scored highly on six of the seven designated criteria. At the time it was the largest high seas EBSA to be so described. This paper reviews the scientific evidence supporting the finding that it meets the rigorous criteria for an EBSA and assesses whether there have been major changes in the decade since. It puts this in the context of the work of the Sargasso Sea Commission and the Hamilton Declaration Signatories to “conserve the Sargasso Sea for the benefit of present and future generations” and assesses the extent to which being an EBSA has assisted with these conservation efforts.

The Ægir Ridge System (ARS) is an ancient extinct spreading axis in the Nordic seas extending from the upper slope east of Iceland (∼550 m depth), as part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to a depth of ∼3,800 m in the Norwegian basin. Geomorphologically a rift valley, the ARS has a canyon-like structure that may promote increased diversity and faunal density. The main objective of this study was to characterize benthic habitats and related macro- and megabenthic communities along the ARS, and the influence of water mass variables and depth on them. During the IceAGE3 expedition (Icelandic marine Animals: Genetics and Ecology) on RV Sonne in June 2020, benthic communities of the ARS were surveyed by means of a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) and epibenthic sledge (EBS). For this purpose, two working areas were selected, including abyssal stations in the northeast and bathyal stations in the southwest of the ARS. Video and still images of the seabed were usedtoqualitatively describebenthic habitats based on the presence of habitat-forming taxa and the physical environment. Patterns of diversity and community composition of the soft-sediment macrofauna, retrieved from the EBS, were analyzed in a semiquantitative manner. These biological data were complemented by producing high-resolution bathymetric maps using the vessel’s multi-beam echosounder system. As suspected, we were able to identify differences in species composition and number of macro- and megafaunal communities associated with a depth gradient. A biological canyon effect became evident in dense aggregates of megafaunal filter feeders and elevated macrofaunal densities. Analysis of videos and still images from the ROV transects also led to the discovery of a number ofVulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) dominated by sponges and soft corals characteristic of the Arctic region. Directions for future research encompass a more detailed, quantitative study of the megafauna and more coherent sampling over the entire depth range in order to fully capture the diversity of the habitats and biota of the region. The presence of sensitive biogenic habitats, alongside seemingly high biodiversity and naturalness are supportive of ongoing considerations of designating part of the ARS as an “Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area” (EBSA).

In 2008, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity introduced the scientific-technical concept of describing Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs). These areas are defined as locations with exceptional ecological or biological characteristics. While EBSAs have been identified across the world´s oceans, they mainly have not been designated at scales relevant for conservation or area-based planning, where decisions are implemented. Here, we describe how the EBSA concept can be applied locally to identify "national EBSAs". We present the process and criteria that were used in Finland to delineate 87 Ecologically Significant Underwater Marine Areas (EMMAs). This was accomplished by participatory approaches, expert knowledge, and spatial prioritization, based on a spatially explicit dataset on marine species and habitats from 160,000 sites, together with environmental drivers and anthropogenic pressures. The spatial scale of EMMAs was tailored to fit national and local decision-making, contributing to maritime spatial planning, environmental permitting, and the development of marine protected area network. We describe the Finnish EMMA process, highlight critical phases of the work using practical examples and discuss the importance of scales in assessing ecologically and biologically significant areas in different types of marine environments. • Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) nationally identified. • 87 national EBSAs were described for Finland. • Extensive data, prioritization analyses and participatory approaches were used. • Tailored for national and local decision-making. • Supports environmental and conservation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The world's oceans are subject to the influence of climate change at all latitudes and depths. There is a growing body of literature on the responses of species to climate change, which has a strong deterministic component indicating that responses can be predicted. At the same time, advances in oceanographic data acquisition and modeling have facilitated the identification of potential climate change refugia. The Convention on Biological Diversity's “Voluntary Specific Workplan on Biodiversity in Cold‐Water Areas within the Jurisdictional Scope of the Convention” explicitly calls for the identification and protection of refugia in cold‐water areas. We propose adding “Climate Change Refugium” as an integral consideration for identification of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs). We provide a description of this as a potential eighth criterion. We then briefly discuss the pros and cons of introducing this eighth criterion, or an alternative strategy to develop guidelines that explicitly link refugia to the rationale of existing EBSA criteria, in the hope that this opinion piece will launch further discussion on this notion.

There have been efforts around the globe to track individuals of many marine species and assess their movements and distribution, with the putative goal of supporting their conservation and management. Determining whether, and how, tracking data have been successfully applied to address real-world conservation issues is, however, difficult. Here, we compile a broad range of case studies from diverse marine taxa to show how tracking data have helped inform conservation policy and management, including reductions in fisheries bycatch and vessel strikes, and the design and administration of marine protected areas and important habitats. Using these examples, we highlight pathways through which the past and future investment in collecting animal tracking data might be better used to achieve tangible conservation benefits. The value of animal tracking data to inform policy is illustrated by case studies from around the world and with a broad range of taxa. Application of tracking data to policy and management can take various pathways, and engagement with stakeholders might often not be made by the original data collectors. The impact of tracking data on policy and management can be improved if data collection and analyses target specific needs for management outcomes. Early engagement among the data collectors and the stakeholders involved in policy development and implementation is important to help translate tracking data into conservation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract World Heritage status for selected sites in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction is under active consideration, and the Costa Rica Thermal Dome in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean is a feasible candidate site. A scientific expedition to the area in April 2017 added to biological baseline data but also confirmed presence of microplastics in the water column. National and regional efforts are being made by Central American countries to strengthen mechanisms for integrated ocean management, educate coastal communities and give early consideration to potential future threats such as ocean fertilisation. This paper concludes that to achieve World Heritage status for this iconic site requires an entity to both propose the area and report on its status. Bringing into force the Antigua Convention, a Regional Seas Convention for the Eastern Tropical Pacific, would provide an appropriate platform for Central American governments to enact protective measures. Highlights • New evidence reaffirms the Costa Rica Thermal Dome as meeting the EBSA criteria. • Outstanding Universal Value spurs interest in Dome as candidate World Heritage site. • Microplastics are found in the water column, far from obvious point sources. • Diverse management and clear governance plans are required for key sites in ABNJ. • Ratification of a Regional Seas Convention is advocated as an essential first step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing offshore areas for marine conservation faces impediment from logistics and costs of in situ data collection. This study leveraged the high spatial and temporal coverage provided by remote-sensing ocean colour products, and the concept of biogeographical classification to delineate areas in the pelagic environment with application to marine conservation. Satellite-derived and modelled biogeophysical data were used to delineate an area of biological and physical homogeneity spatially consistent with the static boundaries of the Scotian Slope Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA), off eastern Canada. We used iterative cluster analysis applied to an archive (2004–2014) that consisted of remotely-sensed Chlorophyll a, sea-surface temperature, and primary production derived from the Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and simulated mixed layer depth to define “dynamic” boundaries of the EBSA at bi-weekly, seasonal and annual resolutions. The final cluster extended further east than the static EBSA in summer and fall, indicating that characteristics of the static EBSA environment persist beyond the current boundaries in these seasons. In winter and spring, the final areas derived by our analysis was smaller than the static EBSA, but again showed extension beyond the current eastern boundary. Both ice and cloud cover affecting remotely-sensed data and the extent of water column mixing were important in determining the size of the final cluster. The dynamic cluster east of the original static boundary incorporated an area of lower Chlorophyll a and water column primary production in the spring, but higher values in the autumn relative to the static area. Overall physical and biological characteristics of the static and dynamic EBSA considered in this research were similar within and across years. This methodology incorporates ocean-colour data and modelled estimates of multiple biological and physical characteristics to objectively refine areas of ecological interest at a spatial scale relevant for the management of marine conservation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bordering sovereign space is a crucial tenet of contemporary governance approaches. Such rationalities of delineating and fixating space into governable territory forms the convention of conservation regimes. How well have these rationalities translated into conservation efficacy? This article unpacks this question within the Thermal Dome, a marine biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, off the western coast of Central America. Here, wind and ocean currents interact to create an upwelling system of cold, nutrient rich waters creating rich and productive waters, and hence an area of ecological and commercial value. It is dynamic, crossing the exclusive economic zones of various coastal states, further extending into Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Unfortunately, conservation in the Thermal Dome has been fragmented, uncoordinated and ineffective. This article explores how the limited efficacy of conservation governance in the Thermal Dome arises from the land-based ontologies dominating terrestrial conservation. Using perspectives in ocean materiality, this essay demonstrates that the fluidity and seasonality of the Thermal Dome challenges these norms, reflecting the need to incorporate the uniquities of the ocean into how cross-border conservation in the high seas is understood. Such efforts open channels to build and expand on practices in Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA), in ways that improve the sharing of technical capacities, scientific knowledges, and coordination frameworks from the Dome-up. • The Costa Rica Thermal Dome is a fluid and seasonal ecosystem. • Land-based approaches to governance do not effectively capture these complexities. • Incorporating these complexities can improve conservation in the high seas. • A Dome-centred governance can offer insights for ecological systems elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of the deep ocean (>200 m) is taking on added importance as human development encroaches. Despite increasing oil and natural gas exploration and exploitation, the deep ocean of Trinidad and Tobago is almost entirely unknown. The only scientific team to image the deep seafloor within the Trinidad and Tobago Exclusive Economic Zone was from IFREMER in the 1980s. That exploration led to the discovery of the El Pilar methane seeps and associated chemosynthetic communities on the accretionary prism to the east of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, the E/V Nautilus, in collaboration with local scientists, visited two previously sampled as well as two unexplored areas of the El Pilar site between 998 and 1,629 m depth using remotely operated vehicles. Eighty-three megafaunal morphospecies from extensive chemosynthetic communities surrounding active methane seepage were observed at four sites. These communities were dominated by megafaunal invertebrates including mussels (Bathymodiolus childressi), shrimp (Alvinocaris cf. muricola), Lamellibrachia sp. 2 tubeworms, and Pachycara caribbaeum. Adjacent to areas of active seepage was an ecotone of suspension feeders including Haplosclerida sponges, stylasterids and Neovermilia serpulids on authigenic carbonates. Beyond this were large Bathymodiolus shell middens. Finally there was either a zone of sparse octocorals and other non-chemosynthetic species likely benefiting from the carbonate substratum and enriched production within the seep habitat, or sedimented inactive areas. This paper highlights these ecologically significant areas and increases the knowledge of the biodiversity of the Trinidad and Tobago deep ocean. Because methane seepage and chemosynthetic communities are related to the presence of extractable oil and gas resources, development of best practices for the conservation of biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago waters within the context of energy extraction is critical. Potential impacts on benthic communities during oil and gas activities will likely be long lasting and include physical disturbance during drilling among others. Recommendations for the stewardship of these widespread habitats include: (1) seeking international cooperation; (2) holding wider stakeholder discussions; (3) adopting stringent environmental regulations; and (4) increasing deep-sea research to gather crucial baseline data in order to conduct appropriate marine spatial planning with the creation of marine protected areas.

[Display omitted] • Lists of target marine conservation habitats (biotopes) are incomplete. • Marine conservation frameworks identify target habitat criteria (e.g. VME, EBSA). • Baseline benthic imagery surveys can inform biotope classifications. • Biotopes can be assessed quantitatively against conservation criteria. • Comparing new and listed biotopes highlights new candidate conservation targets. Due to various intergovernmental agreements, marine managers must establish marine conservation measures to prevent the destruction of conservation-relevant benthic habitats e.g. Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME). To aid this process, international "lists" of indicator species and habitats are created based on various conservation "criteria". As these lists are both generalised and under development, there is a need to create comparable (management) regional lists to ensure regional relevance and to propose new international "list candidates". This study provides a method to assess management region relevant (hereafter "regional")/new benthic biotopes for conservation-relevance. Quantitative criteria-linked descriptors (e.g. species richness, predicted area occupancy, etc) are used to rank biotopes, enabling a comparison between listed and new biotopes. This highlights comparatively high-ranking new biotopes as potentially conservation-relevant. In a Norwegian case study, applied to the Barents Sea management region using data from the MAREANO programme, the criteria from three international frameworks (EBSA/Azores, FAO/VME, OSPAR/Texel Faial) are assessed with descriptors obtainable from existing or future baseline datasets (video survey data, biotope classifications, and predictive biotope maps). Here, the method correctly ranks existing listed biotopes highly but it also identifies, for example, a previously unlisted biotope as potentially conservation relevant (Cucumaria sea cucumbers, Eucratea bryozoans, and Thuiaria hydroids on coarse bottoms with highly variable conditions). This biotope is now accepted as having regional significance warranting national conservation attention. The dominant bryozoan has also since been listed as a FAO VME indicator within ICES/NEAFC. Although demonstrated in a region with an outstanding dataset, the method is transferable to anywhere with partial baseline data that can inform biotope classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2004, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) addressed a United Nations (UN) call for area-based planning, including for marine-protected areas that resulted in a global effort to describe ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs). We summarized the results, assessed their consistency, and evaluated the process developed by the Secretariat of the CBD to engage countries and experts in 9 regional workshops held from 2011 to 2014. Experts from 92 countries and 79 regional or international bodies participated. They considered 250 million km2 of the world's ocean area (two-thirds of the total). The 204 areas they examined in detail differed widely in area (from 5.5 km2 to 11.1 million km2). Despite the initial focus of the CBD process on areas outside national jurisdiction, only 31 of the areas examined were solely outside national jurisdiction. Thirty-five extended into national jurisdictions, 137 were solely within national jurisdictions, and 28 included the jurisdictions of more than 1 country (1 area lacked precise boundaries). Data were sufficient to rank 88-99% of the areas relative to each of the 7 criteria for EBSAs agreed to previously by Parties to the CBD. The naturalness criterion ranked high for a smaller percentage of the EBSAs (31%) than other criteria (51-70%), indicating the difficulty in finding relatively undisturbed areas in the ocean. The highly participatory nature of the workshops, including easy and consistent access to the relevant information facilitated by 2 technical teams, contributed to the workshop participants success in identifying areas that could be ranked relative to most criteria and areas that extend across jurisdictional boundaries. The formal recognition of workshop results by the Conference of Parties to the CBD resulted in these 204 areas being identified as EBSAs by the 196 Parties. They represent the only suite of marine areas recognized by the international community for their greater importance for biodiversity it is their importance for biodiversity itself not conservation as process explicitly excluded management issues than their surroundings. This comes at a critical juncture in negotiations at the UN that will consider developing a new implementation agreement under UN Convention of the Law of the Sea to support the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. The EBSA description process is a good example of how to bring the international community together to build a shared understanding of which ocean areas are particularly valuable to biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In 2008, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted seven criteria to identify Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) “…in need of protection, in open ocean waters and deep sea habitats”. This paper reviews the history of the development of the “EBSA process”, which was originally driven by the commitment to establish marine protected areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction, but which has since broadened to encompass the possibility of informing marine spatial planning and other activities, both within and beyond national jurisdiction. Additionally, the paper summarizes ongoing efforts through CBD regional workshops to describe EBSAs and the development of the EBSA Repository, where information on these areas is to be stored. The overlap between the EBSA criteria and biodiversity criteria suites used by various authorities in areas beyond national jurisdiction is illustrated. The EBSA process has reached a critical juncture, whereby a large percentage of the global ocean has been considered by the regional workshops, but the procedure by which these areas can be incorporated into formal management structures has not yet been fully developed. Emerging difficulties regarding the mandate to describe, identify, endorse, or adopt EBSAs, are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Marine resource crises have initiated a search for alternative approaches to resource assessment and management that has culminated in a global focus on ecosystem approaches to management (EAM). Here, the ecosystem extends to humans as drivers and recipients of ecosystem change. More specifically, attention is being paid to identifying specific qualities of local resource users'' experiences and knowledge that might productively inform resource management, while also providing local users with substantial “voice” in shaping new management policies and practices. Here an evaluation is provided of the extent to which local ecological knowledge (LEK) can provide advice for an ecosystem approach to inshore coastal management, specifically, the identification of ecologically and biologically significant areas, based on the results of two comprehensive studies of coastal Nova Scotian commercial harvesters'' local ecological knowledge. While spatially explicit, local ecological knowledge displays strengths and limitations that must be explicated for it to prove useful for strengthening “voice” and providing EAM inputs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The world's oceans are subject to the multiple impacts of human activity and to the consequent threats to the health of many and varied ocean ecosystems. Oceans around South Africa are no exception and, with the need for economic growth in the country, anthropogenic stressors on ocean resources are rapidly increasing. In this study, we investigated 14 different anthropogenic stressors that impacted ocean health between 2003 and 2013, and their cumulative anthropogenic effects on cetaceans in the South African Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and South African Marine Protected Areas (MPA), Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMA), Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA) and ecoregions. We determined cetacean species richness in these five area categories using ensemble models, and identified anthropogenic impacts from relevant literature. We calculated and compared the average species richness, the average trend for each anthropogenic stressor and average cumulative impact between 2003 and 2013 in the five areas. Results highlight that climate related stressors (such as sea surface temperature and ocean acidification), together with shipping stressors, are increasing more rapidly than other stressors across the EEZ. Cetacean species richness was highest along the west coast shelf and shelf edge where sea level rise, ocean acidification, shipping, and commercial pelagic fishing with low by-catch were most pronounced. The results of this study will inform marine spatial planners and policy makers in determining priority areas for cetacean conservation and in identifying anthropogenic stressors that need to be addressed to mitigate cumulative anthropogenic impacts on cetaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lost City is a unique marine hydrothermal vent field in Area Beyond National Jurisdiction on the front line of deep-sea features that policy-makers should seek to protect. The feature, located on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, is part of a priority area for a future International Seabed Authority Regional Environmental Management Plan. It is also recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity as being within an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area and has been mooted as a possible World Heritage site. Together these policy strands present a strong rationale for protection but governance and policy uncertainties remain. The paper advocates a proactive and bold interpretation of UNCLOS in favour of strong protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's oceans are subject to the influence of climate change at all latitudes and depths. There is a growing body of literature on the responses of species to climate change, which has a strong deterministic component indicating that responses can be predicted. At the same time, advances in oceanographic data acquisition and modeling have facilitated the identification of potential climate change refugia. The Convention on Biological Diversity's "Voluntary Specific Workplan on Biodiversity in Cold‐Water Areas within the Jurisdictional Scope of the Convention" explicitly calls for the identification and protection of refugia in cold‐water areas. We propose adding "Climate Change Refugium" as an integral consideration for identification of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs). We provide a description of this as a potential eighth criterion. We then briefly discuss the pros and cons of introducing this eighth criterion, or an alternative strategy to develop guidelines that explicitly link refugia to the rationale of existing EBSA criteria, in the hope that this opinion piece will launch further discussion on this notion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]