A latest study has suggested that over 17,000 marine species in the world are mostly unprotected. The US is at the bottom among nations in sustaining formal marine protected areas (MPAs) that may protect marine biodiversity.

The study, published in international journal Scientific Reports, is the first comprehensive assessment of protected regions coverage on marine life. The study authors analyzed the ranges of around 17,348 species of marine life such as sharks rays, whales and fish, and discovered that 97.4% have less than 10% of their range represented in MPA’s. The countries that reported highest number of ‘gap species’ or species, whose range was totally beyond protected areas were the US, Brazil and Canada.

Despite such miserable findings, the authors said that the study has highlighted opportunities to accomplish goals of protecting 10% of marine biodiversity by 2020. The goals have been set by set by the Convention on Biological Diversity. For instance, most of species that were considered quite poorly represented were discovered in exclusive economic zones. There were just less 2% of their range found in MRA’s. This has suggested the role particular nations can play to better protect biodiversity.

Lead author of the study, Dr Carissa Klein of the University of Queensland and CEED, said, “The process of establishing MPAs is not trivial as they impact livelihoods. It is essential that new MPAs protect biodiversity whilst minimizing negative social and economic impacts. Study results offer strategic guidance on where MPAs could be placed to better protect marine biodiversity”.

According to the authors, it is very important that new MPAs are identified systematically and consider what has been already protected in other places, besides socioeconomic expenses of implementation, possibility of success, and other aspects that drive biodiversity.