This report presents results from the NovasArc project that has collated data on the distribution of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Eleven VMEs were identified, based on management goals for coral and sponge communities. Many of the vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) in the study area has a wide distribution. Soft and hard bottom sponge aggregations, hard bottom gorgonians, sublittoral sea pen communities, and cauliflower corals are predicted to cover > 20% of the study area shallower than 1000 meters. Of the anthropogenic activities in the study area bottom trawling represents the main threat to the VMEs. The compilation of trawling activity in the study area shows that fisheries mainly occurs shallower than 1000 meters and that 50 to 60% of the seafloor is not targeted. However, 30% of the seafloor has experienced intermediate to very high fishing effort. In general, the VMEs shows a larger overlap with fishing when the risk analysis is based on areas with an optimal habitat suitability. Using this conservative threshold to model the distribution of VMEs the results indicate that most VMEs have experienced an intermediate to high level of fishing in less than 40% of their distribution area in the whole study area.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2023-527/ In NovasArc I spatial distribution of VMEs within the sub-arctic waters were predicted. NovasArc II updated the predictions with new observations to produce spatially estimates of the predictive uncertainty and the outputs of the earlier models were updated and validated. We discuss how the model output could be used in the development of criteria and indicators relevant to management of benthic habitats including the Good Environmental Status descriptors 1 and 6 in the MSFD, and the OSPAR common indicator “Physical damage of predominant and special habitats”. Also we explore the relevance of our results against the Performance Indicator Scores used in the certification requirements for Marine Stewardship Council. The results were discussed with stakeholders to exchange experiences and views regarding best practices for sustainable fisheries in light of management goals.

The Global Dialogue on the Role of Food and Agriculture in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework was convened virtually by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 6 and 7 July 2021. This is the summary report of the meeting.

Now more than 60 years old, this series remains one of the most cited sources in marine science and oceanography. A book/journal hybrid, it has a strong Impact Factor and a global reputation. Chapters are authored by leading experts from around the world, while an international Editorial Board ensures continued high quality and rigorous peer review of published articles. The ever increasing interest in work in oceanography and marine biology and its relevance to global environmental issues, especially global climate change and its impacts, creates a demand for authoritative reviews summarizing the results of recent research. Three chapters in the volume are available Open Access.