SAEF scientists identify priority Southern Ocean genetic hotspots for conservation
New research shows that maintaining and adopting proposed marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean could almost double the protection of genetic hotspots from 28% to ~54%.
For the first time, scientists have synthesised publicly available data from Southern Ocean seafloor species to identify hotspots of genetic diversity that should be prioritised for conservation. The paper, led by researchers from Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), provides new evidence to support the work of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) in identifying, establishing and justifying MPAs.
The study, published in Current Biology, draws on genetic data from a wide range of seafloor species, including octopus, sea spiders and urchins, to map areas of high genetic diversity, connectivity and divergence across the Southern Ocean. Ecosystems with high genetic diversity are more resilient and better able to adapt to climate and environmental change.
SAEF Research Fellow Dr Sally Lau from James Cook University said that the findings come at a critical time for Southern Ocean biodiversity.
“The Southern Ocean is one of the fastest changing regions on Earth, and its seafloor ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change and other environmental stressors. Marine protected areas, or MPAs, are one of the most effective tools we have to protect these ecosystems, and this research enables us to offer recommendations based on genetic knowledge to help prioritise where protection will have the greatest impact,” Dr Lau said.
Pareledone is a genus of octopus with circumpolar distribution around Antarctica. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Division Antarctic sea urchins have spines that both protect and help them to move across the seafloor. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Division Antarctic sea spiders can grow to unusually large sizes—a phenomenon called polar gigantism. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Divison With over 500 described species, nereidid worms are one of the most widespread polychaete families. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Division Victoria’s brittle star can regenerate lost limbs and can do so at a speed much faster than other echinoderms, such as the sea star. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Division
To conduct the study, the team synthesised all the publicly available genetic data collected from Southern Ocean seafloor species. By bringing these datasets together, the team was able to identify genetic hotspots and assess how existing and proposed MPAs cover these areas.
The study was a collaboration between SAEF’s molecular ecologists, public policy and legal experts, and international colleagues. It aims to support CCAMLR’s long-standing commitment to developing a representative network of MPAs, as well as the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the international agreement which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
SAEF Investigator Dr Nerida Wilson from University of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum said the study was only possible because of decades of international investment in collaborative Antarctic research.
“Much of the genetic data used in this study was generated through major international initiatives such as the International Polar Year and the Census of Antarctic Marine Life. These circum-Antarctic datasets allow us to make broad-scale assessments of biodiversity and provide meaningful, evidence-based recommendations for conservation. They demonstrate the value of sustained international investment and collaboration,” Dr Wilson said.
Recently, SAEF scientists have joined the Australian Antarctic Program-led voyages to the Denman Glacier and Heard Island and McDonald Islands, as well as the New Zealand Antarctic Platform’s voyage to the Ross Sea and the University of Tasmania / CSIRO voyage to the Cook Ice Shelf. These voyage have enabled them to reach under sampled regions and collect seafloor specimens to further increase the availability of genetic information.
Co-authors Dr Sally Lau and Prof Jan Strugnell with a Pareledone octopus during the Denman Marine Voyage. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Division Co-authors Dr Nerida Wilson and Prof Jan Strugnell sample a scale worm on the Denman Marine Voyage. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Division SAEF student Jesselyn Brown in the RSV Nuyina wet lab sorting and preserving specimens. Credit: Pete Harsmen, Australian Antarctic Division Co-authors recently joined the Denman Marine Voyage to further their research to support the establishment of MPAs. Credit: Pete Harmsen, Australian Antarctic Division
Dr Wilson said it is critical to ensure Antarctic samples are curated in museum infrastructure that will protect them for long-term future use.
“These samples are irreplaceable, and will continue to inform us about past and future changes,” Dr Wilson said.
Global initiatives such as Antarctica InSync and the next International Polar Year (2032-22) offer additional opportunities to further coordinate research efforts across Antarctic and the Southern Ocean, further strengthening the evidence base for conservation planning.
These efforts will enable even more robust and targeted recommendations, helping to ensure that MPAs effectively safeguard the Southern Ocean’s biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.
Read more
Lau, S. C. Y., Strugnell, J. M., Umbrello, L. S., Carvajal, J. I., Rouse, G. W., Davis, R. A., Johnson, C. M., & Wilson, N. G. (2026). Genetic hotspots for conserving Southern Ocean benthic biodiversity. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.01.040
