<
https://theconversation.com/the-historic-high-seas-treaty-is-almost-reality-heres-what-it-would-mean-for-ocean-conservation-258710>
"The high seas are set to gain a greater level of protection when a long-sought
after treaty finally enters into force.
For almost 20 years, nations have debated the need for the
High Seas Treaty,
intended to protect marine life in the high seas and the international seabed.
These marine areas together account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean
and harbour a rich array of unique species and ecosystems. The treaty is
formally known as the
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.
Many hoped last week’s United Nations Oceans Conference would result in enough
nations ratifying the treaty to bring it into force. As of today, 50 states of
the 60 required have done so, while another 19 have promised to do so by the
year’s end. A greater level of protection for our high seas is well and truly
in sight.
By United Nations standards, this is a cracking pace. The treaty-making process
itself can take years, particularly as states need to incorporate the treaty
into their domestic laws. This speaks to the urgency of the moment. Researchers
and authorities have warned that the world’s oceans are now in deep trouble,
threatened by climate change effects, overfishing, plastic pollution and other
human-caused issues.
Once the treaty enters into force, nations can begin to propose high seas
marine protected areas, which could limit fishing and other activities. The
question then will be how to police these marine protected areas."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
