Here, we focused on modeling the distribution of demosponges, glass sponges, and stony corals, three foundation taxa that support large assemblages of associated fauna through the creation of complex habitat structures. Species distribution models are increasingly used tools to quantify the distributions of species in data-poor environments. One obstacle to effective spatial management of the ridges is the scarcity of direct observations in deeper waters throughout the region and an accompanying understanding of the distribution of key taxa. Despite some historical fishing in the region, the seamounts are relatively pristine and represent an excellent conservation opportunity to protect a global biodiversity hotspot before it is degraded. The ridges support an exceptionally rich diversity of benthic and pelagic communities, with the highest level of endemism found in any marine environment. The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are two adjacent seamount chains off the west coast of South America that collectively contain more than 110 seamounts. The modeled distribution of corals and sponges surrounding the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges with implications for high seas conservation. Cite this article Georgian S, Morgan L, Wagner D. For attribution, the original author(s), title, publication source (PeerJ) and either DOI or URL of the article must be cited. Licence This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, reproduction and adaptation in any medium and for any purpose provided that it is properly attributed. 2 Conservation International, Center for Oceans, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America DOI 10.7717/peerj.11972 Published Accepted Received Academic Editor Matteo Zucchetta Subject Areas Conservation Biology, Ecology, Ecosystem Science, Marine Biology, Environmental Impacts Keywords Cold-water corals, Sponge, Deep sea, Species distribution modeling, Habitat suitability, Conservation, Areas beyond national jurisdiction Copyright © 2021 Georgian et al.