Dynamic and Adaptive Area-based Conservation in a Rapidly Changing Arctic Ocean

The Arctic is warming three to four times faster than the global average, demanding innovative conservation strategies.  

Arctic marine species and ecosystems face a warmer ocean, with less sea ice. Simultaneously, industries are looking to press further north as access to the Arctic’s resources is becoming increasingly feasible. We need to act urgently to protect Arctic species and ecosystems and provide them the space they need to thrive and adapt to change. But how can we protect ecosystems and species that won’t stay static? With tools as dynamic as nature itself.

Download the report (PDF)

This report reviews available area-based marine conservation tools and measures, proposes an increased focus on dynamic and adaptive approaches, discusses areas where additional efforts are needed, and identifies questions that warrant further exploration. It also features the voices of Arctic Indigenous Peoples and demonstrates how their knowledge and management practices are integral to the adaptive conservation of Arctic species and ecosystems in an Arctic that is changing fast. 

The report concludes that the legal basis and knowledge for establishing dynamic and adaptive conservation exist now, and that implementation can achieved through purpose driven cooperation to establish an ecologically representative and connected, equitably governed Arctic marine network of protected and conserved areas. In doing so, opportunities exist to expand on Indigenous-led dynamic approaches and tools. The report also identifies a need to develop new dynamic and adaptive conservation practices and tools that can respond to emerging knowledge of diverse sources and facilitate broad engagement.  

Key findings

This report finds that the legal basis and knowledge for establishing dynamic and adaptive conservation exist now, and highlights existing and emerging opportunities for improved dynamic area-based conservation. These can be realised through targeted cooperation, determination and political will to establish an ecologically representative, well-connected, and equitably governed Arctic marine network of protected and conserved areas. 

Main conclusions: 

• Existing knowledge needs to be developed further. This can be achieved by fostering and developing new dynamic and adaptive conservation practices and tools that can respond to new knowledge as it emerges. 
• There are identified opportunities to expand on available Indigenous-led dynamic approaches and tools. 
• Governments and rightsholders at all levels must urgently accelerate cooperative efforts to implement dynamic and adaptive area-based conservation measures across the Arctic Ocean. 

What is dynamic area-based conservation? 

Dynamic area-based conservation is action and adaptive measures that can address dynamic biodiversity responses to change. For example, when a North Atlantic right whale is detected in the dynamic shipping zones in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a temporary speed restriction for certain vessels is automatically activated. Other dynamic area-based conservation measures include: 

• Adjusting times or seasons in which restrictions apply 
• Rotating area-based conservation measures to share the burden of restrictions on activities among rightsholders and stakeholders 
• Adjusting the prohibition of all or certain types of fishing or fishing gear in an area 

Indigenous leadership in conservation

In the report, we include several examples of Indigenous-led conservation and management in the Arctic Ocean. The success of Indigenous-led conservation is evident, with many areas managed by Indigenous Peoples, whether these areas are formally recognized or not, having higher biodiversity compared with non-Indigenous managed, non-protected areas.  

The report was written by experts from academia, conservation practice and Indigenous Peoples organizations. The author team, recognizing the importance of Indigenous stewardship of Arctic nature, highlights Indigenous perspectives and examples of Indigenous conservation leadership. Implementing an effective, holistic conservation network that is governed equitably will depend on networks of people working across borders, knowledge systems and conservation approaches.