Understanding the marine ecosystems surrounding Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) and their conservation status

It presents the spatial differences in the ecology of the region and the threats that climate change may have on these areas, thereby enabling us to consider requirements for conserving the unique marine biodiversity in the HIMI EEZ now and into the future. [...] The report provides new analyses of the origins and drivers of the distribution of biodiversity around HIMI and investigates the potential effects of climate change, comparing data between a baseline period (1993-2002) and the most recent decade (2013-2022). [...] The protection of the Western Plateau Conservation Area increases the representation of fish biodiversity, provides protection for the spawning grounds of Patagonian toothfish, as well as other areas of importance to pelagic food webs, and accounts for differences in benthic species between the west and the east of the HIMI EEZ. [...] The incorporation of Key Conservation Area 6 as IUCN Category IV (for habitat or species management area) is recommended for the protection of pelagic food webs and the foraging grounds of resident marine mammals and birds, and would raise protection a further 43% of the EEZ from any activities that are not compatible with the conservation values of the reserve. [...] Given the need to protect the on-going ecological, biological, and evolutionary processes of the area as a key component of the Outstanding Universal Value of the HIMI World Heritage Area, it is essential that the main foraging areas of apex predators that rely on the Southern Pelagic Conservation Area (seals, penguins and flying birds) are adequately protected and it is recommended to be included.