Lanterfishes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms—yet all share similar types of bioluminescent organs placed throghout their bodies. Photo by Paul Caiger, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Ocean Twilight Zone Project is collaborating with partners at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia, to underscore the vital role of the mesopelagic zone in ocean ecosystems and climate regulation. This is the first major gathering of Parties since the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted at COP15 in November 2022. If we aim to achieve the ambitious GBF “30 by 30” target — protecting and conserving 30% of the world's land and ocean areas by 2030 — science needs to inform and guide decision-making on which areas need to be protected and why, and then further, how to monitor the health of these ecosystems. Marine Policy Center Director Kiliparti Ramakrishna and molecular ecologist Annette Govindarajan will present critical insights on the services provided by this vast yet under-explored region.

Their presentations will highlight how environmental DNA (eDNA) can address significant data gaps and inform strategic decisions on the establishment of new protected areas. It's essential that biodiversity data, derived from both eDNA and traditional methods, guides our monitoring and conservation efforts in these vital ecosystems.

The Ocean Twilight Zone Project has partnered with organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund and the Ocean Conservancy to engage with the CBD Secretariat in addressing these critical information and guidance gaps. By doing so, we can enhance actions for the conservation of mesopelagic communities and their integration into national biodiversity strategies and action plans. Our presence at COP16 reflects our commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship with nature, aligned with the conference’s theme, “Peace with Nature.” Together, we can bridge the funding gaps in biodiversity and work towards a sustainable future for all.

 

Attending from WHOI:
Kilaparti Ramakrishna, Director of Marine Policy Center and Senior Advisor to the President on Ocean and Climate Policy
Annette Govindarajan, Molecular Ecologist
Kalina Grabb, Research Associate
Kotaro Tanaka, Research Fellow at Ocean Policy Research Institute and WHOI Guest Investigator

 

WHOI Panels and Events
Panel: Valuing the Treasures of the Twilight Zone
Co-hosted by Ocean Conservancy, WHOI, Environmental Defense Fund
Presentation & Discussion with Kilaparti Ramakrishna and Annette Govindarajan,
Oct 26th, 5:00PM
Chilean Pavilion

Reception: Valuing the Treasures of the Twilight Zone
Co-hosted by Ocean Conservancy, WHOI, Environmental Defense Fund
Oct 26th, 6:30PM
Chilean Pavilion

Panel: The Ocean-Climate Nexus and Coastal Resilience: Building a Sustainable Future
Co-hosted by Ocean & Climate Platform, IUCN, ORRAA, WHOI
Oct 28th, 10:45
Plaza One

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