A researcher from (ANU) has been recognised on the global stage for research that could transform how the world protects its oceans – including decisions linked to emerging international agreements on the high seas.
Associate Professor Ana Sequeira has been named Australia’s National Champion in the , placing her among 25 leading scientists worldwide tackling the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Her research, published in , represents one of the most comprehensive global efforts to date to understand how marine megafauna use the ocean.
The study brought together almost 400 researchers from around the world and, for the first time, combined satellite tracking data across more than 100 species – including whales, sharks, turtles and seabirds – to identify the areas they rely on for critical behaviours such as feeding, breeding and migration.
“Our work reveals the global space use of marine megafauna and identifies where protection can be most effective,” she said.
“What excites me most is that we now have a clear, science-based roadmap capable of changing the trajectory of global marine biodiversity conservation.”
The findings show that many of the most important habitats used by these species fall outside existing protected areas, highlighting significant gaps in current conservation efforts.
These findings arrive at a critical time.
A third of these species are currently threatened with extinction, yet they play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health – one of Earth’s most important life-support systems.
The research provides an evidence base to inform major international policy decisions, including the implementation of the High Seas Treaty and national legislation such as Australia’s newly passed High Seas Act.
By identifying shared ‘hotspots’ used by multiple species across vast ocean regions, the study offers practical guidance on where protections could have the greatest impact – particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The work also underpins a new international policy report developed in collaboration with the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, which outlines pathways to address interconnected environmental crises.
Among its recommendations are expanding marine protected areas, integrating key habitats into national ocean planning, and strengthening protections for migratory species.
The Frontiers Planet Prize is the world’s largest science competition focused on planetary health, awarding three international champions US$1 million each to scale up their research.
Winners are selected by an independent panel of 100 experts, whose planetary boundaries framework defines the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate.
Associate Professor Sequeira will now progress to the final stage of the competition, with international champions to be announced later in the year.
Her recognition highlights the growing role of large-scale, collaborative science in addressing global environmental challenges – and the importance of translating that knowledge in policy and action.
