Joint Scientists’ Letter to NPFC Members Regarding the Emperor Seamount Chain

The 122 undersigned scientists from 24 countries - including experts from Members of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, the European Union, Japan, Korea, and the United States) - reiterate their call for the Commission to take steps towards greater protection of the Emperor Seamount Chain based on the best available science and understanding of the long-term impacts of bottom fishing in the region. 

This letter builds upon the version submitted to COM09 (NPFC-2025-COM09-OP06 Pew Scientists' Letter.pdf), which has since gained more than twice the number of signatories, underscoring the growing scientific consensus on the need for urgent and effective conservation measures for this Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area under the Convention on Biological Diversity.