New research on the mesopelagic zone, where light begins to disappear, demonstrates its importance for climate regulation and commercial fisheries

NICE, France – Ocean Conservancy called for international cooperation to protect the ocean twilight zone at the U.N. Ocean Conference this week in Nice, France. Ocean Conservancy first launched its call to action with ads in the Nice Côte d’Azur airport, urging arriving delegates to protect the ocean twilight zone. Throughout the week, Ocean Conservancy will be driving home the importance of this area, culminating with an event on Friday, June 13, co-hosted by the government of Panama and featuring heads of state and the UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, to present a commitment to preserve the ocean twilight zone.

The ocean twilight zone, or mesopelagic zone, is the area of the ocean where sunlight begins to disappear, from 200 to 1,000 meters deep. Recent research has revealed its importance to ocean biodiversity, global climate regulation and valuable fisheries. But the twilight zone and all it provides for us is threatened by proposed activities like fishing and deep sea mining.

“Though it is deep beneath the surface, we all rely on the ocean twilight zone and need to protect it,” said Ocean Conservancy’s Vice President of Conservation, Chris Dorsett. “This unique ecosystem is home to some of the most amazing and hardy creatures in the ocean. From glowing bioluminescent jellyfish to tiny krill too numerous to count, the animals down there are not only unique, they also trap planet-warming carbon dioxide and provide food for some of the most economically important fish on the planet, like tuna. As we discover this hidden world, it’s important that we protect it from the myriad threats posed by emerging extractive activities.”

Though only making up about 20% of the ocean’s volume, studies have suggested that it could contain more than 90% of fish life in the ocean. Breathtaking animals live in this dark environment, with many animals developing bioluminescence or unique body structures. The huge amount of sea life in the mesopelagic provides a vital source of food for important commercial species like tuna and swordfish.

Additionally, creatures in the ocean twilight zone perform an important role in climate regulation. As a result of daily mass migrations, ocean twilight zone animals lock away 2-6 gigatons of carbon in the deep sea every year – twice the emissions that all the cars in the world produce globally.

Ocean Conservancy experts are available to give interviews on this topic, either in person at the U.N. Ocean Conference in Nice, or remotely via zoom. To arrange interviews in Nice, please contact Roya Fox, Senior Communications Manager, at [email protected] or 202.280.6285.

EVENT DETAILS:

Protecting the Ocean Twilight Zone: Driving Global Action for Biodiversity, Climate Stability and a Sustainable, Healthy Ocean

Date & Time: Friday, June 13 | 2:00-3:15 PM (CEST)

Location: Blue Zone Room 5

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Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.