Identifying potential VMEs on the Cobb-Eickelberg seamount chain based on predictive modelling

Areas likely to be vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) (i.e. potential VMEs) can be identified using model predictions when no data from visual surveys exist, as outlined in the North Pacific Fisheries Commission’s (NPFC’s) framework for identifying data to identify VMEs (See Annex 2.3 in NPFC 2023a and NPFC 2023b). We identify potential VMEs in the Cobb-Eickelberg seamount chain using predictive models of VME indictor taxa density by applying the regional VME indicator taxa density threshold (0.6 VME indicator taxa colonies m^-2, see Warawa et al. 2023). Our methods predict that potential VMEs are present on all seamounts in the Cobb-Eickelberg seamount chain. We invite feedback on our proposed method for identifying potential VMEs.