Research advances and conservation needs for the protection of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges: A natural and cultural heritage hotspot in the southeastern Pacific ocean

One of the main objectives of the BBNJ Treaty is to enable States to establish large-scale marine protected areas (MPAs) to encompass at least 30 % of areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) by 2030, contributing to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We reviewed geological, oceanographical, biological, ecological, cultural and governance information on the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges in the southeast Pacific (SEP), described current and future threats, reviewed conservation measures and analyzed what remains to be done to achieve their effective protection. We point the relevance of creating a MPA under the BBNJ treaty and the establishment of specific actions from key intergovernmental organizations to conserve the fragile and unique ecosystems of this region facing multiple threats. Among other measures we propose the closure of the area to fishing, the enactment of effective conservation measures, the rejection of exploratory fishing and the increase of research and capacity-building activities within the region. Protecting this area will have major global benefits for ecosystem connectivity, climate regulation, food security, and other ecosystem services. It would also be seen as a global example for conserving biodiversity in ABNJ by collaboration between neighboring countries with common interests in a shared environment, contributing to global conservation goals. The information gathered here is key to build the scientific basis for decision-making on sustainable use, management, and conservation of biodiversity inhabiting the islands and seamounts of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, a natural and cultural heritage hotspot in the middle of the SEP.