Protecting Seamounts and Deep-Sea Ecosystems. IUCN and Motion 32 FAQs

The deep sea is Earth’s largest ecosystem – and one of its least protected. Far below the surface, underwater mountains known as seamounts are home to ancient corals, sponges and rare species found nowhere else. Yet many of these fragile habitats are still being damaged by destructive fishing. At the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, global leaders will have a chance to change that through Motion 32 – a call to finally protect seamounts and other vulnerable marine ecosystems for good.

What is the IUCN?

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. It brings together governments, indigenous peoples’ organisations, scientists, and NGOs to protect nature and find practical solutions to the planet’s biggest conservation challenges. IUCN’s 1,400 + members work across more than 160 countries to shape global environmental policy and on-the-ground action. The organisation is best known for producing the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a key barometer of life on Earth.

What is the IUCN World Conservation Congress?

Held every four years, the World Conservation Congress is where IUCN members set global conservation priorities. Through formal voting on ‘motions,’ members decide collective actions and policy recommendations that influence international agreements and national laws. The next Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi from 9–15 October 2025.

What is IUCN Motion 32?

Motion 32 – Protecting seamounts and other vulnerable marine ecosystems from destructive practices – calls for an immediate end to bottom trawling and other damaging fishing methods on seamounts, ridges, and deep-sea habitats. These undersea mountains are biodiversity hotspots that support ancient corals, sponges, and countless deep-sea species. Once destroyed, they can take centuries – if not millennia – to recover. The motion urges governments, regional fisheries bodies, and industry to protect these areas for good.

Why is Motion 32 Important Now?

IUCN members have passed multiple resolutions since 2006 calling for the protection of vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems. Yet, almost two decades later, destructive bottom trawling still occurs on seamounts around the world. The science is clear: each trawl can flatten entire ecosystems in a single pass. Motion 32 is a chance to finally act on nearly 20 years of knowledge and commitment – ending one of the most harmful fishing practices still happening in the deep sea.

Why does this matter for Aotearoa New Zealand, and why does Live Ocean support it?

Aotearoa has a proud ocean heritage, yet it remains one of the few nations still bottom trawling on seamounts in the South Pacific high seas. These areas host rare and ancient lifeforms found nowhere else. Live Ocean supports Motion 32 because it aligns with our vision of a healthy ocean for a healthy future, and because we believe New Zealand can and should lead the way in ocean protection and best practice.

What is the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC)?

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition is a global alliance of over 100 organisations working to protect deep-sea ecosystems from destructive fishing and mining. The coalition has been instrumental in advancing Motion 32 and in calling for stronger high-seas protection. Live Ocean Foundation is a member of the DSCC and stands alongside scientists, advocates, and communities urging governments to act now to safeguard these extraordinary underwater worlds.

What can I do to show my support for IUCN Motion 32?

Every choice we make for the ocean matters. You can help by learning more about Motion 32 and the damage caused by destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling. Be informed – share what you learn with friends, whānau, and colleagues. Speak up – let decision-makers know you care about the ocean and want Aotearoa to lead in its protection. And most of all, be an advocate for change – because protecting the deep sea begins with public awareness and grows with community support. When enough people care, we build the social licence needed to turn scientific evidence into lasting action.