Overview
PRESERVING MARINE SPECIES
This goal measures the conservation status of marine species.
GOAL DESCRIPTION
The species that inhabit the ocean have a vital role in shaping the existing marine environment. They are valued for their beauty and inherent right to exist, as well as their role in supporting productive habitats that provide many benefits for people.
From the largest predators to microscopic plankton, these species depend upon each other for survival. The interaction of species that have naturally evolved in a given location is essential for ecosystem structure and stability. In additon, the maintenance of large numbers of species provides diverse genetic resource that makes it possible to avoid functional collapse, should conditions change in the future.
This sub-goal assesses the health of all marine species present in a country’s EEZ, including endangered species and species in relatively good conditions. The presence of species that are not at risk leads to a higher score.
LEARN MORE
Explore the full description of the data and model used in the Global OHI MODEL. Or, take a look at PRACTICAL GUIDANCE for advice on adapting the goal for future assessments and to learn how previous OHI+ assessments have modified this goal to address differences in data availability or priorities.
OTHER RESOURCES
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN)
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on plants and animals in order to determine the relative risk of extinction.