The Sargasso Sea Commission has released a report described as “groundbreaking” on the ecological and economic value of the sweeping area of the North Atlantic where Bermuda is situated.

Published during World Ocean Month after four years of research, the report also supports ongoing international efforts to strengthen conservation of the unique high seas ecosystem.

The Socio-Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis or Seda report for the Sargasso Sea is a comprehensive scientific assessment developed by more than 25 experts.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment said: “The Bermuda Government is proud to support increased scientific understanding and strengthened conservation of the Sargasso Sea.

“As this report makes clear, the Sargasso Sea plays a critical role in regulating the global climate through carbon sequestration, supports important fisheries and marine biodiversity and serves as a vital migratory corridor for species that are essential to ocean health.

“Protecting this ecosystem beyond Bermuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone directly contributes to the resilience of our surrounding waters, helps sustain fish stocks and marine life that Bermudians depend on and reinforces Bermuda’s role as a leader in ocean stewardship.”

The Seda report highlights findings including:

• The Sargasso Sea’s highly productive ecosystem, which plays a significant role in global climate regulation, including carbon sequestration far beyond its size;

• The region’s role as an essential habitat and migratory corridor for key species such as eels, whales and turtles along with pelagic fish;

• The increasing pressure faced by the Sargasso Sea from climate change, shipping, potential fishing expansion and other emerging threats, underscoring the need for co-ordinated conservation measures.

The report was edited by David Vousden, while analysis was produced with the support of the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environmental Facility Sargasso Sea Stewardship Project.

The project is part of the food and agriculture-led Common Oceans Programme and the French Facility for Global Environment’s five-year Sargadom programme.

Dr Vousden said: “The Sargasso Sea provides ecosystem benefits of global importance and plays a key role in monitoring ocean and climate linkages, while supporting a distinct open-ocean habitat with endemic species.”

The findings will inform the development of a strategic action programme to guide continued conservation and stewardship of the Sargasso Sea.

David Freestone, executive secretary of the Sargasso Sea Commission, noted that global interest in conserving the marine sanctuary had grown over the past decade.

Dr Freestone emphasised the importance of advancing protection measures under emerging international ocean governance frameworks.

The report’s publication coincides with the launch of the Hamilton II initiative by the governments of Bermuda and Britain.

This project aims to expand participation from governments and civil society in strengthening stewardship of the Sargasso Sea and supporting future management tools under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement.

The full report and supporting materials are available on the Sargasso Sea Commission website.