The rare sighting of a minke whale in the Antarctic Peninsula (Picture: Shutterstock)
A historic agreement to protect the world’s oceans has been signed at the UN after ten years of talks between 200 countries – and hailed by Greenpeace as the ‘biggest conservation victory ever’.
The High Seas Treaty grants protected status to 30 per cent of international waters by 2030 compared with 1.2 now.
It will help marine life by controlling damaging deep sea mining and exploration, as well as fishing and shipping.
The deal, which followed two earlier deadlocked bids, was signed in New York after a marathon 38-hour session. Laura Meller, Greenpeace oceans campaigner, said: ‘This is a historic day for conservation and a sign that, in a divided world, protecting nature and people can triumph over geopolitics.’ Her group called the deal ‘huge’ as well as a historic win.
Marine biologist Rebecca Helm said: ‘Protecting this half of the Earth’s surface is absolutely critical to the health of our planet.’ Fellow oceans expert Nichola Clark said: ‘This is a once in a generation opportunity to protect the oceans – a major win for biodiversity.’
A green sea turtle swims near Honolua Bay on the island of Maui, Hawaii (Picture: Shutterstock)
The high seas are outside the control of national governments and virtually lawless, despite covering half the globe.
The treaty is not yet legally binding and is subject to approval from each individual country. And a promise by richer nations to provide more funding is not backed up with figures.
However, later summits are expected to go into detail, setting out a framework for future agreements. It includes pledges to share resources and for environmental assessments before commercial activities such as mining. A new body will also be created to manage conservation of ocean life.
An aerial view of a pod of dolphins near Jervis bay in Australia (Picture: Shutterstock)
Many marine species – including sea turtles, dolphins, whales and many fish – make long annual migrations, crossing national borders and the high seas but are under increasing threat from overfishing, commercial exploitation and pollution from chemicals and plastics.
Efforts to protect them – and humans who rely on fishing or tourism – have been hampered by a confusing patchwork of laws. Estimates say almost ten per cent of sea life is now at threat of extinction.
Hollywood star’s part in making world take action
Actress jane Fonda addresses reporters at UN during campaign (Picture: Anadolu)
Hollywood star and veteran campaigner Jane Fonda, 85, played a major role in the oceans deal.
She pressured delegates after personally delivering a petition signed by 5.5million people from 157 countries.
And in a passionate speech at the UN in New York, she urged nations to come together to ‘save this great ally we have called the ocean that can save us’.
The Barbarella and Nine To Five star told reporters: ‘Even dogs don’t poop in their kennel because they know that the kennel provides security and a home for them. We’re pooping in our kennel. We’re supposed to be so smart.
‘We are destroying things we don’t even understand. We are not behaving right, and why the treaty is important is it will force us to behave right.’
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The High Seas Treaty will grant protected status to 30 per cent of international waters by 2030.
