Dr. Patricia Zárate, head of the Fisheries Assessment Department at the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), is part of the research team behind the scientific article “Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets,” which was awarded National Champion Award for Australia in the fourth edition of the Frontiers Planet Prize, one of the most prestigious international awards for research with the potential to generate solutions to the planet’s environmental challenges.
The researcher recently received a notification from the president of the Frontiers Planet Prize, Prof. Dr. Jean-Claude Burgelman, informing her that the study, led by Dr. Ana Sequeira and published in the journal Science in June 2025, was selected as Australia’s representative for this year’s prize.
The study constitutes the most comprehensive global analysis to date on the use of space by marine megafauna. To this end, they compiled more than three decades of satellite telemetry data from thousands of individuals belonging to 111 species, including sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals, birds, and other large oceanic vertebrates.
One of their main findings demonstrates that protecting 30% of the ocean, a target established in the Global Biodiversity Framework and the High Seas Treaty, will not be sufficient on its own to conserve the critical areas used by many highly migratory species. The authors conclude that, in addition to expanding marine protected areas, it will be necessary to implement complementary management measures, such as reducing threats from fishing and shipping, to ensure the effective conservation of marine biodiversity.
In this regard, Dr. Patricia Zárate stated:
“It is an honor to be part of this international team of researchers and to contribute to a project that has been recognized for its excellence and potential impact. This type of collaboration demonstrates the importance of scientific research in generating evidence that supports the conservation of marine biodiversity and the development of public policies based on scientific knowledge.”
As part of this recognition, Dr. Zárate was inducted into the Frontiers Planet Prize international scientific community, comprised of researchers whose publications have been distinguished for their ability to contribute to transformative solutions for the planet’s sustainability.
The participation of an IFOP researcher in an article published in Science and subsequently recognized by the Frontiers Planet Prize constitutes a significant milestone for the Institute. This recognition strengthens IFOP’s presence in leading international research networks and highlights the contribution of its researchers to the development of scientific knowledge that contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity and the fulfillment of international commitments for ocean protection.
