Overview

• Thirty-three countries, including Germany, have called for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining to safeguard unknown species and critical carbon stores on the ocean floor.
• Germany pledged a €100 million munitions-recovery fund and plans a floating platform to clear WWI and WWII ordnance from its North and Baltic Sea waters, alongside tougher rules for its existing marine protected areas.
• A coalition of 37 states unveiled plans to curb ocean noise pollution by promoting quieter ship designs, speed limits and rerouting in sensitive marine habitats.
• French President Emmanuel Macron said over 60 countries are set to ratify the UN High Seas Treaty before year-end, enabling the creation of protected zones beyond national jurisdictions.
• The United States has sent only two observers instead of an official delegation after issuing an April decree authorizing deep-sea mining in US and international waters.