This October, the IUCN will be voting on Motion 035 which seeks to protect the Mesopelagic zone- otherwise known as the Twilight Zone. 

This is an important marine ecosystem, as it is a core facet to carbon sequestration and home to a majority of the Oceans’ fish biomass. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute notes that the environmental services provided by this carbon sequestration are around $300-900 billion each year.

Motion 035 is seeking the “Protection of Mesopelagic Ecosystem Integrity” and advocating for the protection of this zone by taking actions such as increasing regulations for extractive activity (fishing and mining) that would impact this zone, establishing marine protected areas to preserve the biodiversity, and improving our understanding of this zone by expanding research and monitoring programs.

It is important to note that Motion 035 would not be a law-binding agreement, rather it is a framework for regulations among its members. Since many of the voting members are government agencies, they will be encouraged to mirror the goals of Motion 035 in their respective nation.

Impact for Oceans will be sending these signatures, demonstrating your support for Motion 035, to the IUCN US National committee to encourage their members to vote YES on October 9th. 

Please feel free to leave a personal message to express why this zone and it's environmental services matter to you!