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Email the author (Login required) Seamounts of Nazca and Salas y Gómez: a review for management and conservation purposes
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol37-issue3-fulltext-16
Abstract
Due to growing international awareness of the importance of the conservation and management of vulnerable marine ecosystems – of which the seamounts and deep-sea corals of the Nazca and Salas y Gómez submarine ridges are examples – and taking into account the imminent establishment of a South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization, a scientific review of this seamount chain is needed to provide input for decision-making processes. This paper provides such a review, considering geological, oceanographic, biological, ecological, and fisheries issues associated with Nazca and Salas y Gómez, and also identifies some management options. Notwithstanding the limited and fragmented studies available, this distinctive area has a high level of endemism, rich biodiversity, seamount density, deep-sea corals, relatively elevated primary productivity (considering the surrounding waters), and the potential for bottom fisheries and ocean-mining activities. Because of the remoteness of the area and the high costs involved, strong international cooperation will be required to undertake future studies. A network of Marine Protected Areas is identified as the best management option for the area.
