As of 2016, sixteen of these designations have been adopted by the IMO, all proposed by a State or States in national waters, the most recent being Jomard Entrance in Papua New Guinea. Roberts et al. [62] discuss possible application in the high seas but as yet no proposal for Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) has been forthcoming. Four further areas are currently under consideration within IMO as proposed respectively by the Philippines (Tubbataha Reefs), Malaysia (Pulau Kukup and Tanjung Piai), Indonesia (Lombok Strait including Gili Islands and Nusa Penida Islands) and Mauritania (Banc D'Arguin and adjacent sea area). The Banc d'Arguin proposal is of note in the context of this paper having drawn **data** from the CBD EBSA described for the area (CBD COP 12, 2014). Banc d'Arguin National Park and an adjacent zone of the Atlantic (Gulf d'Arguin) can be described as an ecologically inter-connected region of global significance situated at the junction of two biogeographic realms, hosting the largest concentration of wintering wading birds in the world (the area is a core component of the East Atlantic Flyway) and one of the most diversified communities of piscivorous birds. The National Park has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1989 (UNESCO 13COM XV.A) and UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has taken a keen interest in 2014, requesting the State Party (Mauritania) to submit the request to designate Banc d'Arguin region as a PSSA (UNESCO 38COM 7B. 62).