Highly migratory fish stocks are found both within exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). Connectivity of fish stocks between EEZs and ABNJ is relatively poorly described for many fish species, increasing the risk of negative effects, due to over-fishing and other anthropogenic activities, to coastal countries. A loss of genetic diversity could result due to the exploitation of fish in vulnerable ecosystems (e.g. seamounts) and the exploitation of resources (e.g. mining, energy) could cause damage to habitats or feeding grounds.
The Southeast Atlantic is an important area for the migratory movements of charismatic marine species, including sea turtles and marine mammals.
Seabirds are amongst the most threatened groups of birds, with all the species found consistently in ABNJ waters exhibiting highly migratory movements. Accidental mortality from fishing (bycatch) is the single biggest threat to seabirds in ABNJ. The huge areas that seabirds typically cover on migrations, often spanning entire ocean basins, makes area-based management tools (ABMTs) a very challenging proposition, unless management measures can be both enacted and enforced across vast areas, which currently is not considered possible.
We still have so much to learn about the biodiversity of the deep sea, but we do know there are many interesting and unique animals there. Have a look at this bestiary of the deepsea for examples. Or explore the Census of Marine Life's visualizations.