Leaders meet to try to pass a UN treaty to protect oceans

Image source, Alexis Rosenfeld/Getty Images

World leaders will meet at the UN later in the day to discuss how to save the world's oceans.

The UN High Seas Treaty has been in the works for a decade.

It would put 30% of the world's oceans into protection.

It is hoped that it will protect marine life from being overfished.

All countries have the right to fish, ship and do research in two thirds of the world's oceans. Only a small percentage of the high seas are protected.

The marine life living there is at risk of exploitation due to climate change and shipping traffic.

With the high seas poorly documented, there is concern that organisms could become extinct before they are discovered.

Between 10% and 15% of marine species are at risk of extinction according to research published earlier this year.

The traditional fragmented nature of ocean governance has prevented the effective protection of the high seas.

Image source, Leisa Tyler/ Getty Images

Parts of the world's oceans would be placed into a network of marine protected areas. Commercial activities like deep-sea mining would be subject to an environmental impact assessment.

Minerals are taken from the sea bed that is at least 200m below the surface. The process of using these minerals could be harmful to marine life.

The International Seabed Authority issued 31 contracts to explore the deep sea for minerals.

Measures in the treaty that give developing nations more equal access to Marine Genetic Resources are being looked at by countries.

The benefits of MGR include pharmaceuticals, industrial processes and food.

Progress has been slow because of Covid-19. There was disagreement over what should be included in the treaty.

Russia and Iceland want the fishing industry out of their country.

The Treaty will have a deadline for signing at the end of the year.

The EU will insist on the quick continuation of the negotiations if this doesn't happen, according to an EU spokesman.

They said action was needed to ensure the sustainable use of the ocean.

With continued commitment, determination and dedication, we will be able to build bridges and close the remaining gaps, said the conference president at the end of the last round of failed negotiations.

It is important that the world's oceans are protected as many people rely on them for food and income.

According to the researchers at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the global marine ecosystems are worth more than four hundred billion dollars.