The Atlas of Seabed Biodiversity in New Zealand
Introduction
Researchers have developed New Zealand’s most comprehensive online atlas, providing an overview of nearly 600 marine species, to guide management and conservation of the country’s unique seafloor communities.
Background
Our marine region spans more than 4.2 million km2 of the South Pacific Ocean with a high number of endemic seafloor species, but data gaps and remote areas make it difficult to map and manage the rich diversity of seafloor life.
The Atlas of Seabed Biodiversity
To fill that knowledge gap, NIWA and the Department of Conservation produced the Atlas of Seabed Biodiversity, a freely available online tool for resource managers, researchers and the public to address the environmental issues faced by subtidal ecosystems.
Similar Online Tools
Other countries already use similar online tools, including Ireland’s Marine Atlas, the Oregon Coastal Atlas, the European Atlas of the Seas and the atlas for marine biodiversity conservation in the Coral Triangle.
Project Leaders
The New Zealand atlas project was led by ecologists Fabrice Stephenson formerly of NIWA but now at the University of Waikato, Tom Brough from NIWA, and 25 taxonomists and ecologists from around the country.
Key Features of the Atlas
Brough said the atlas provides a detailed understanding of hotspots for key marine species, such as those which are threatened or in decline. It can also show areas of “species richness”, the number of species within a defined region.
- Provides estimates of distribution for demersal fish species like John Dory (Zeus faber), around New Zealand’s coastal marine environment.
- Offers predictions for 579 species of demersal fish, reef fish, subtidal invertebrates and macroalgae or seaweed.
- Hosted on the DOC Marine Data Portal (arcgis.com) which also features other online maps for habitat classification, hydrology, protected areas and species.
Limitations and Future Updates
The models used in the atlas do not consider seasonal or decadal variation in environmental conditions or the human impact on the environment which may influence biodiversity patterns. However, the atlas will be updated when new information becomes available.
Surveys of remote areas and areas deeper than 2000m are ongoing and will yield valuable new information on the presence and absence of seafloor taxa that can be used to update the models.
The next phase of the research will aim to develop models of where species are likely to occur under future climatic conditions.
About this Project
This project was funded by NIWA’s Strategic Scientific Investment Fund, Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge, Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.
Contact
For further information on this project contact:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
- Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
- Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.
Explanation
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article discusses the development of an online atlas, the Atlas of Seabed Biodiversity, which aims to guide the management and conservation of New Zealand’s seafloor communities. This directly connects to SDG 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
The specific target under SDG 14 that can be identified is Target 14.2, which calls for the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. The article mentions that the atlas provides information on hotspots for key marine species, including threatened or declining species, and areas of species richness. This information can guide the protection and management of seafloor ecosystems.
The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards Target 14.2 is Indicator 14.2.1, which measures the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches. The atlas provides valuable information for resource managers and researchers to make evidence-based decisions on ocean and coastal management, contributing to the use of ecosystem-based approaches.
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SDG 15: Life on Land
The article highlights the importance of the atlas in providing information on seafloor biodiversity, including species distribution models for demersal fish, reef fish, subtidal invertebrates, and macroalgae. While the focus is on marine life, this information contributes to understanding and protecting biodiversity, which is a key aspect of SDG 15.
The specific target under SDG 15 that can be identified is Target 15.5, which calls for urgent action to reduce habitat degradation, halt biodiversity loss, and prevent the extinction of threatened species. The atlas provides valuable information on hotspots for key marine species and areas of species richness, which can guide conservation efforts and help prevent the extinction of threatened species.
The indicator mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards Target 15.5 is Indicator 15.5.1, which measures the Red List Index. While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the atlas’s focus on providing information on threatened or declining species aligns with the need to prevent the extinction of such species, as indicated by the Red List Index.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans. | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index. |
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Fuente: niwa.co.nz
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