Common Contracts

Migratory Species and

BBNJ Agreement • August 29th, 2020

• Contract Type
  BBNJ Agreement
• Filed
  August 29th, 2020

Movements of currents as well as migratory animals help to connect all parts of the ocean. More than 800 marine migratory species of fish, seabirds, marine mammals and sea turtles have been identified in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) and many straddle jurisdictional boundaries. Migratory species depend on ocean ecosystems for breeding and foraging as well as the pathways which connect these ecosystems, which may straddle territorial waters and ABNJ. Transportation of larvae via ocean currents also helps to connect marine ecosystems and ensures they remain resilient and productive. Even amongst coral reefs, larvae can be transported beyond Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and into ABNJ, which creates connectivity between ecosystems and links habitats across multiple spatial scales.