The ocean sustains much of Earth’s biodiversity, yet it remains understudied, undervalued, and increasingly imperilled. Preserving biodiversity in the Blue Ocean – marine areas beyond national jurisdiction - is challenged by sparse data, political and legal issues, and mounting anthropogenic pressures, including climate change.
Marine biodiversity baselines, from which anthropogenic impact is assessed, require long-term data. This session explores how interdisciplinary knowledge – particularly integrating paleobiological, historical, ecological, and social perspectives – can support GBF Target 3 (the "30x30" goal) by informing the identification and design of ecologically representative marine protected areas (MPAs). Fossil and historical records provide critical information to identify threatened species, understand extinction dynamics, and guide the conservation of genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity – contributing to GBF Target 4. Given the accelerating impacts of climate change, long-term perspectives can anticipate marine biodiversity shifts and strengthen the effectiveness of conservation strategies, supporting GBF Target 8.
We invite contributions that demonstrate how time-extended data, integrative modelling, and interdisciplinary approaches can inform spatial prioritization, improve extinction risk assessments, and anticipate future changes in marine ecosystems. By bridging disciplines and timescales, this session aims to support transformative action toward resilient and inclusive ocean stewardship under the Global Biodiversity Framework.