1. Strengthening the Conservation and Stewardship of the Sargasso Sea – Canada’s Lessons Learned for BBNJ Treaty Negotiations
Nadia Bouffard, Chief Negotiator
International Oceans, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
April 3, 2019
BBNJ Side Event, United Nations, New York, NY

2. A Unique High Seas Biodiversity Area
Defined High Seas Area, surrounding Bermuda EEZ
Sargassum originating in the Gulf collects in Sargasso Sea
Sargassum creates important habitat for many marine species (fish, turtles, etc)
Spawning ground for species at risk: Porbeagle Sharks and possibly European and American eels
Contains Seamounts, known to support special ecosystems
Part of Migration route of several whale species, turtles and highly migratory fish stocks (tunas, swordfish)

3. Potential Threats Known activities in the Sargasso Sea include:
Recreational and commercial fishing; commercial shipping; tourism; and some seabed mining exploration is being considered
Workshop presentation identified potential increased commercial fishing and shipping activities in the Sargasso Sea area, compared to 5 years ago. That in and of itself does not pose a threat.
However, when combined with a unique high seas area such as the Sargasso Sea, this could add stressors to the area’s sensitive features:
e.g. spawning and habitat area for eels and sharks; migration route for whales and turtles; etc.
Plastics in the Sargasso Sea have been demonstrated as a key threat to the ecosystem

4. Successes in Collaboration
Hamilton Declaration signed by increasing number of Governments
Sargasso Sea Commission active in raising awareness of the area, the threats and the need for regional and multilateral cooperation
Sargasso Sea being studied
Funding support for the Commission
Some level of cooperation between regional and sectoral bodies and the Commission

5. Challenges
Plethora of organizations with various sectoral roles and mandates in the area: NAFO; ICCAT; IMO; ISA; etc
Nevertheless, some gaps, in mandate and measures, e.g.
habitat protection (seamounts & sargassum);
shared fish stocks not managed by ICCAT or NAFO;
plastic and underwater noise pollution
Commission has a non-legal structure with limited influence over decision-making and coordination at various existing regional and sectoral bodies
Funding
Gaps in knowledge to support conservation measures

6. Workshop Outcomes
Workshop provided a useful forum for exchanging what is known and not known about the Sargasso Sea and its importance to marine resources, and for creating networks for continued development and sharing of knowledge
Workshop identified work needed to address some knowledge gaps in support of strengthening the conservationand stewardship of the Sargasso Sea
Need for better understanding the economic benefits provided by the area;
Need for better understanding the potential impacts of human activities on the marine ecosystem, the habitat and the species that rely on the area for spawning and habitat protection
Workshop emphasized the need to consider a spatial approach for protecting and conserving this special area, which regional and sectoral based organisations have not, or were not mandated to address

7. Linkages to BBNJ Treaty Negotiations
The BBNJ instrument is not likely to address all identified challenges, however, some key areas may contribute to BBNJ outcomes:
Integrated approach is needed to address all stressors
Need to consider the cumulative effects of these stressors in a small unique marine ecosystem and habitat area critical to many marine species, some managed by different organizations
Need to assess the impacts of increased human activities and stressors in the area through Environmental Impact Assessments and/or strategic environmental assessments
Seamounts and sensitive sargassum habitat may be best conserved and protected by Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs)

8. Conclusions
BBNJ Treaty Negotiations could be helpful in providing guidance:
on a framework for strategic environmental assessments, including identifying the vulnerable marine ecosystem features, threats and stressors, and their cumulative effects;
on ABMTs useful to conserve and protect this unique high seas area; and,
support for coordinated management of human activities in the area
Workshop disclosed some challenges in achieving high seas biodiversity conservation in the Sargasso Sea, particularly in the absence of strong coordination to address the impacts of all human activities