Post-2020 Kunming 30% target can easily protect all endemic sharks and rays in the Western Indian Ocean and more

摘要: Summary Sharks and rays are possibly the most threatened Class of marine fishes their declines can be halted if protected areas optimised to benefit these species. We identify spatial priorities for all 63 endemic sharks in biodiversity hotspot, Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Collectively, while WIO nations currently surpass 10% Aichi ocean protection target, this amounts a dismal only 1.57% each species’ distribution range. show that entire ranges endemics achieved by protecting 11% EEZs nations, well within reach new 30% oceans 2030 target. Regional management bodies exist, which taken advantage implement shark ray management, provide opportunities more efficient across region. recommend key actions explicit incentivisation international cooperation post-2020 framework. Science Society The past decade has seen massive growth establishment (MPAs), driven target areas. This expansion MPAs, however, largely occurred residual extractive uses, often coinciding with less lower conservation value. coming will see further push ensure 2030. It is important understand how existing future MPAs should placed biodiversity. Currently unclear rays, comprising species group evolutionarily distinct vertebrate radiation world also one threatened. both regional national expanding occurring find region already exceeded but an average top priority sites conserve almost half geographic range yet require 1.16% total EEZ – tiny fraction collaboration among result spatially priorities. framework needs explicitly incentivise between efficiently achieve urgent targets maximise benefits