The high seas encompass nearly two-thirds of the ocean and half the planet's surface.
An updated framework to protect marine life in the regions outside national boundary waters, known as the high seas, had been in discussions for more than 20 years, but previous efforts to reach an agreement had repeatedly stalled. The unified agreement treaty, which applies to nearly half the planet's surface, was reached late Saturday.Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.
The treaty will create a new body to manage conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas in the high seas. And Clark said that's critical to achieve the U.N. Biodiversity Conference’s recent pledge to protect 30% of the planet’s waters, as well as its land, for conservation. The treaty also establishes ground rules for conducting environmental impact assessments for commercial activities in the oceans.
“This treaty will help to knit together the different regional treaties to be able to address threats and concerns across species' ranges,” Battle said.
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