Iconic Species

Iconic species are those whose importance to cultural identity is expressed through traditional activities, local ethnic or religious practices, and locally or more broadly recognized existence and aesthetic value.

Substantial progress has been made towards the recovery of certain iconic species, due to the implementation of many important national laws and international agreements.  Successfully conserving or recovering populations of iconic species will require comprehensive and systematic awareness of these species on both a global and regional scale as well as an improved understanding of how global cultures relate to marine life.

In certain cultures, entire habitats or sets of species within a landscape have special spiritual and existence value. This more extended definition of iconic species is not addressed here, but it is incorporated in other models. For example, habitat-forming species (e.g. mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, salt marshes) are assessed in association with multiple other goals, while landscapes are assessed as part of the Lasting Special Places sub-goal of Sense of Place and the Habitats sub-goal of Biodiversity.