The Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO) system, developed as part of GOBI’s programme of work under the International Climate Initiative (2016-2023) continues to go from strength to strength with the release of a new paper that demonstrates the important role of marine megafauna in connectivity across the global oceans. The latest models, developed by GOBI partners at The University of Queensland (UQ) and Duke University, underscore the importance of transboundary cooperation for migratory species conservation at scales larger than current regional structures afford. The findings, published in Nature Communications and freely accessible online at mico.eco, will enable policymakers to efficiently summarise how marine migrants use and connect their jurisdictions.
Lead author of the paper, Dr Lily Bentley from UQ’s Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, explained that the MiCO database is the first freely accessible global view of known marine migratory connectivity. “Covering 109 species including birds, mammals, turtles, and fish, MiCO synthesises records from over 1000 sources to map how marine animals traverse the world’s oceans. The tool connects more than 2000 crucial habitats and spotlights the importance of cross-boundary cooperation. MiCO enables scientists, governments, and international organisations to understand how marine migratory pathways link regions and jurisdictions.”
Many species move through national waters and the high seas during their life cycles, and are exposed to various threats across these different management jurisdictions. The models highlight critical areas and connections that transcend political boundaries, showing that no country can fully protect migratory species on its own.
Associate Professor Daniel Dunn, Director of the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science and senior author on the paper, said the intricate connectivity described in the system underscores the need for globally aligned conservation efforts such as the new UN high seas treaty, which seeks to safeguard biodiversity beyond national waters.
“MiCO’s freely available models have already been identified as a valuable asset to inform the implementation of this treaty, helping policymakers understand how their countries and the biodiversity they are responsible for are connected to the high seas. The system also aligns with the Convention on Migratory Species’ goal of developing a global atlas of animal migration, an effort to which MiCO seeks to be a key contributor.”
More than two-thirds of marine migratory species remain unassessed and future expansions of MiCO are planned. “Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive global baseline of connectivity generated by marine migratory species possible, so that conservation strategies are based on robust data,” Dr Dunn said.
Read the full article: Bentley, L.K., Nisthar, D., Fujioka, E. et al. (2025) Marine megavertebrate migrations connect the global ocean. Nature Communications, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59271-7
