Greenpeace urges Atlantic ocean sanctuaries to halt leatherback turtle decline
A Greenpeace report proposes a network of fully protected sanctuaries in the Atlantic high seas to shield over a third of the danger zones for rapidly declining leatherback turtles, noting that current protection efforts would need 265 years to meet the 30% ocean target.
Greenpeace International’s new "Well Connected" report argues that establishing a linked chain of fully protected ocean sanctuaries in the Atlantic high seas could protect over 35% of the zones where industrial fishing endangers leatherback turtles, a species listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2013. The analysis pinpoints 17 sites—including existing marine protected areas that need upgrading and new locations—to form a network covering more than 31% of the Atlantic high seas, potentially lowering turtle mortality.
It also warns that, at one outlet rate, reaching the globally agreed goal of safeguarding 30% of the ocean by 2030 would require 265 years, far slower than needed for recovery. These conclusions are released as the UN CBD COP17 biodiversity conference begins in Armenia, where delegates will assess progress toward 2022 targets. Greenpeace calls on governments to close the gap between commitments and action, describing the pace as “snail’s pace.” Lukas Meus, Greenpeace’s ocean campaigner, says only a connected sanctuary system can ensure safe migration, feeding, and breeding for turtles and other migratory species.
Why it matters
Protecting key ocean areas could reverse the steep decline of a vulnerable marine species and help meet global biodiversity goals.
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