Scientists identify areas of high marine mammal diversity

Sightings of more than 1 million marine mammals in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument and sites along the Atlantic Coast have been used to identify areas of high marine mammal diversity. The importance of ocean preservation is underscored by these findings.

New England Aquarium scientists reviewed marine mammal reports to gain a better understanding of habitat use along the U.S. East Coast. The research team used aerial and boat surveys conducted by 49 organizations between 1979 and 2020 to calculate the marine mammal species diversity in the North Atlantic Ocean between Florida and Nova Scotia. More than one million animals were seen from 30 unique species in the data set.

They found high species diversity in the northern part of the Atlantic Coast, particularly around the Monument, on the edge of the continental shelf, and across the Gulf of Maine. It is well-sited and protects a unique and diverse marine mammal community.

The Biden-Harris Administration restored the federal protection status of the Monument in October of last year. The nearly 5,000-square mile underwater sanctuary is located 130 miles southeast of Cape Cod and is home to vibrant deep-sea ecosystems that include coral reefs, fish, and whales. Aquarium scientists provided strong scientific evidence that helped the Monument get its initial designation. Aquarium scientists studied the consequences of removing protections from the Monument and found that opening the Monument to fishing increased the risk of bycatch and habitat destruction.

Scientists found that species diversity was highest in the northern and mid-Atlantic regions. The high diversity of marine mammals can be found in canyons and areas with low temperatures. The authors wrote that their analyses contribute to efforts to designateMPAs to conserve habitat that is important for protecting species by identifying drivers of biodiversity and potential sites for protecting 30 percent of the plant by 2030.

Researchers wrote in the study that the identification of theMPAs in our study area is critical because U.S. East Coast waters face intensive human use from fishing, shipping, planned wind energy development, and features that support marine mammal foraging are subject to specific threats. The authors acknowledge that further research is needed to more fully understand marine mammal species diversity in these areas.

Several New England Aquarium scientists are involved in the study. The Simmons University student contributed to the research.

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