Seamount aggregation effects for threatened species at Cocos Island National Park: Insights from a Long-Term Monitoring Framework in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

A long-term monitoring study from 2021 to 2024 at Cocos Island National Park revealed that seamounts, particularly the West Cocos and Gemelas seamounts, serve as critical aggregation sites for threatened pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and silky sharks. The research found significantly higher abundance and diversity of these species near the seamount peaks compared to areas 10 nautical miles away, highlighting the localized biological importance of these underwater features. Hammerhead shark populations were particularly sensitive to environmental factors like water temperature, thermocline depth, and oxygen levels. This study provides a baseline for assessing the effectiveness of the expanded Cocos Island National Park and supports the establishment of a regional seamount monitoring initiative through the MigraMar network, aiming to protect these vulnerable species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Cambra, M., Villalobos, F., Clarke, T., & Espinoza, M. (2025). Seamount aggregation effects for threatened species at Cocos Island National Park: Insights from a Long-Term Monitoring Framework in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. https://doi.org/10.5194/oos2025-1550