Submitted by
megan.bryce.1
on Tue, 09/08/2026 - 14:43
General Information
Period covered
IUCN Constituent
UNDER THE POLE / Antipodes
IUCN Constituent type
IUCN Member organisation
Activities carried out to implement this Resolution
| Relevant operative para(s) of Res/Rec | Activities Overview | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2b
|
Scientific/technical activities
|
Under The Pole continued its DEEPLIFE scientific programme, contributing to three peer-reviewed publications on mesophotic ecosystems, including black coral diversity, fish acoustic niches, and environmental drivers of black coral distribution. A winter Antarctic mission documented mesophotic marine animal forests to 130 m using DEEPLIFE protocols. Data and imagery are currently being analysed
|
On-going
|
|
1c
2a
2b
|
Policy influencing/advocacy
|
Under The Pole formally submitted a proposal for the identification of a mesophotic Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) to CCAMLR in July, based on DEEPLIFE data and imagery collected in Antarctica. The proposal focuses on a mesophotic marine animal forest. Its consideration and potential adoption are expected at the CCAMLR meeting in Hobart in October.
|
On-going
|
|
1c
2a
|
Policy influencing/advocacy
|
Under The Pole is advocating for the extension of an existing marine protected area in a Central American country from its current depth limit of approximately 60 m to at least 100 m, in order to include mesophotic marine animal forests documented below 80 m. Advocacy is conducted with government representatives, local NGOs and MPA managers.
|
On-going
|
|
1a
2a
|
Policy influencing/advocacy
|
Under The Pole is preparing a policy brief on the integration of the mesophotic zone into marine conservation policies and strategies. The document aims to translate current scientific knowledge into practical recommendations for decision-makers and conservation practitioners and to support greater consideration of the mesophotic zone in marine conservation planning.
|
On-going
|
|
1a
1b
|
Education/Communication/Raising awareness
|
Under The Pole communicated the adoption and implications of Resolution 8.028 through social media and presentations in French and international fora. A one-page briefing presenting the key conservation issues addressed by the Resolution was also produced and disseminated.
|
Completed
|
|
1b
2d
|
Convene stakeholders/Networking
|
Under The Pole represented the Resolution and advocated for mesophotic ecosystem conservation at the International Coral Reef Symposium, where dedicated mesophotic sessions were held. The Resolution and its objectives were presented to relevant stakeholders, including MPA managers, government representatives and parliamentarians, to encourage greater consideration of mesophotic ecosystems in conservation policies.
|
Completed
|
|
2d
|
Convene stakeholders/Networking
|
Under The Pole is exploring the creation of an international and interdisciplinary working group bringing together mesophotic scientists and conservation/policy experts. Several discussions have been held with approximately ten experts from different countries, who have expressed interest in joining. The group’s structure, scope and governance are currently being considered.
|
Planned
|
|
1a
1b
|
Education/Communication/Raising awareness
|
The Antarctic mission received significant French media coverage, including coverage by national media outlets such as France Inter and Libération. These media activities helped raise public awareness of Antarctic marine ecosystems, mesophotic ecosystems and the scientific and conservation issues highlighted by the expedition.
|
Completed
|
|
1a
|
Education/Communication/Raising awareness
|
Under The Pole offers educational programmes aimed at raising awareness of polar environments, ocean exploration and mesophotic ecosystems. Educational activities linked to the Antarctic mission included exchanges with students and presentations addressing the mesophotic zone, marine animal forests, scientific exploration and the need to protect these ecosystems.
|
Completed
|
Actors involved in these activities
IUCN Members
UNDER THE POLE / Antipodes ( France )
IUCN Commissions
No IUCN Commissions involved
IUCN Secretariat
No
Other non-IUCN related organisations
mesophotic.org initiative, researchers and scientific experts, government representatives, MPA managers, local NGOs, CCAMLR
Challenges / lessons learned
| Challenges / lessons learned | Description |
|---|---|
|
Lack of awareness / engagement
|
The mesophotic zone remains insufficiently integrated into marine conservation policies and protected-area planning. A key challenge is therefore to bridge the gap between growing scientific knowledge and policy and conservation practice. The development of an international interdisciplinary network is being explored to strengthen this science-to-policy interface. |
|
Coordination issues
|
Developing effective conservation action for mesophotic ecosystems requires coordination between scientists, conservation practitioners, MPA managers and policy-makers across different countries and disciplines. The proposed international working group is intended to help address this challenge. |
External link(s)
Report status
Published