Salas y Gómez

Source-This post on Salas y Gómez has been created based on the article “Scientists find ‘pristine’ ocean mountain range with 50 unknown species” published in “The Indian Express” on 17 April 2024.

Why in the news?

Scientists have recently discovered 160 marine species while exploring the Salas y Gómez region.

About Salas y Gómez

Introduction-It is an underwater mountain chain.

Location-It is in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean. It stretches from west to east. Its west side meets the East Pacific Rise within Chilean waters, near Easter Island, and its east side connects to the western end of the Nazca Ridge.

Ecosystems-Ecosystems in this region are isolated by the Atacama Trench, the Humboldt Current System, and an extreme oxygen minimum zone.

What is the significance of this region?

1) It hosts unique biodiversity with some of the highest levels of marine endemism on Earth.

2) It is under consideration for being designated as a high seas marine protected area once the UN High Seas Treaty is approved.

About United Nations High Seas Treaty

Description-It is known as the Paris Agreement for the Ocean. It deals with Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.

Mandate-The proposed treaty deals with the ocean beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), which extend from a country’s coast to about 200 nautical miles into the sea. (Countries have special rights for exploration up to 200 nautical miles.)

India-It has not signed the treaty.

Read more-The UN High Seas Treaty: challenges and significance

NOTE-Exclusive Economic Zone
It is an area of the ocean that extends up to 200 nautical miles (370 km) immediately offshore from a country’s land coast. In this area, the country retains exclusive rights to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources.

UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news.