Highly mobile seabirds reveal areas of conservation importance across the Atlantic Ocean

Rouyer, Marie-Morgane, Rodrigues, Ana S. L., Davies, Tammy E., Clark, Bethany L., Pearmain, Elizabeth J. and Porter, Ben James 2026. Highly mobile seabirds reveal areas of conservation importance across the Atlantic Ocean. Conservation Letters 19 (5) , e70075. 10.1111/con4.70075

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Abstract

Countries have committed to expanding the marine protected area (MPA) network to 30% of the world's ocean by 2030, more than tripling current coverage, and focusing on areas important for biodiversity. For such expansion to translate into effective conservation of marine biodiversity, it must rely on the best available knowledge. Here, we analyze tracking data on > 13,000 individuals (44 species, eight families) to map the distribution of highly mobile seabirds in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas throughout the year. We identify regions important year-round or seasonally. The High Seas are as important as national waters for highly mobile seabirds but are even less protected. Current Atlantic MPAs hold < 14% of tracked species density, but their expansion to 30% of the ocean could protect up to two thirds. We share this new knowledge layer to support national and international efforts and policies to strategically expand the Atlantic MPA network

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Additional Information:	Full list of authors: https://doi.org/10.1111/con4.70075
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1755-263X
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	28 September 2026
Date of Acceptance:	13 July 2026
Last Modified:	28 Sep 2026 12:17
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189834

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