The IMMA spatial layer aims to attract the attention of policy- and decision-makers to the opportunity, as well as to the need, to ensure the favourable conservation status of marine mammals in specific areas through the implementation of the most appropriate management measures. This can include an MPA designation, shipping or fishing regulations, and/or monitoring. However, IMMAs per se are a scientific knowledge product totally devoid of management implications.

Dedicated efforts to identify IMMAs have not yet covered all of the global ocean but global coverage is anticipated in the near future.

Waters outside of IMMAs in all areas of the ocean may still be important for the long-term survival and well-being of marine mammals.

Human activities taking place in marine environments everywhere must be conducted responsibly.

Information described include the name, location, marine mammal species of importance, the broad level and finer sub-divisions criteria used, and the area size of the IMMA.

The IUCN IMMA layer has been created to be compatible with and inform the identification of other area-based management tools and conservation prioritisation areas and include but are not restricted to Ecologically or Biologically Significant Area (EBSA), Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), RAMSAR Convention Site (RAMSAR), Cetacean Critical Habitat (CCH), Biologically Important Area (BIA) and Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA).

For more information about IMMAs and to download the layers and obtain information on species and criteria, please go to the IMMA website: www.marinemammalhabitat.org