Sediments on the ocean floor may seem empty and unimportant, however they contain unique, diverse and often fragile species and are vital for the appropriate functioning of all marine ecosystems. They also constitute one of the planets largest natural carbon stores.

Canada’s marine governing body (DFO) has stated that climate change mitigation is an aim of the MPA network development. But only salt marshes, seagrass beds and kelp forests have so far been considered. We argue that incorporating seabed sediments could bring similar or potentially larger benefits.