VME (Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem)

Vulnerable marine ecosystems are deep-sea habitats (cold-water coral reefs, sponge grounds, seamounts, and hydrothermal vents) that are easily damaged by bottom-contact gear and slow to recover. UN General Assembly resolutions 61/105 (2006) and 64/72 oblige states and RFMOs to identify VMEs and either close them to bottom fishing or apply move-on rules when encounter thresholds are met. The concept drives much of the management of high-seas bottom trawling.