Virginia Tech joined a global research team that tracked more than 100 species and identified ocean hotspots critical for protecting threatened marine megafauna that fall beyond current conservation zones.
Virginia Tech joined a global research team that tracked more than 100 species and identified ocean hotspots critical for protecting threatened marine megafauna that fall beyond current conservation zones.
A sweeping new study is helping pinpoint where whales, sharks, turtles, and other ocean giants need the most protection and where current efforts fall short.
Led by Ana Sequeira of Australian National University and supported by the United Nations, the research synthesized data from 12,000 satellite-tracked animals across more than 100 species. It reveals how marine megafauna move globally and where their migratory, feeding, and breeding behaviors intersect with human threats such as fishing, shipping, and pollution.
Virginia Tech contributed to the effort, called MegaMove, a massive collaboration of nearly 400 scientists across more than 50 countries. The project used biologging data collected using satellite tags to inform a new blueprint for ocean conservation.
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Image: Global efforts like MegaMove can also help inspire the next generation of researchers and showcase how Virginia Tech connects local talent to worldwide impact. (Credit: Photo courtesy of Francesco Ferretti)
