Entering the Ocean Twilight Zone: understanding multidimensional challenges and solutions

10/10/2025
13:00 - 14:00
IUCN - The Americas - Room 1

Why attend

Dive into the Ocean Twilight Zone with scientists, policy experts, and government representatives to discover why this hidden realm matters, what’s putting it at risk, and what urgent action we can take now to protect it—before it’s too late.

Session Description

This session will blend expert storytelling from perspectives in science and policy with compelling visuals to bring the Ocean Twilight Zone (mesopelagic zone) to life. Beginning with an introductory presentation and followed by an expertly led panel discussion, participants will learn about the importance of protecting the mesopelagic zone with a focus on Motion 035: Protection of Mesopelagic Ecosystem Integrity. Following the session, participants will walk away with an understanding of the complex trade-offs when allowing certain activities in this fragile ecosystem, and a Slido poll will prompt attendees to reflect on their learnings and encourage them to integrate new insights into their own work.
Organised by
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Region
Partners
Ocean Conservancy ( United States of America ) logo
Ocean Conservancy ( United States of America )
Environmental Defense Fund ( United States of America )
World Commission on Environmental Law

Speaker

Speaker Ilysa IGLESIAS

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Speaker Cymie PAYNE

Professor, Rutgers University

Speaker Juan Carlos NAVARRO

Ministro de Medio Ambiente, Panamá

Moderator

Speaker Kristin KLEISNER

Associate Vice President, Ocean Science, Environmental Defense Fund

Speaker Chris Dorsett

Ocean Conservancy