Overview

• UNOC3 officially opened in Nice on June 9 with over 60 heads of state and government gathered to address ocean threats like overfishing, pollution and climate change.
• France announced plans to create zones of strong protection in 14% of its waters by 2030, with 4% enacted as no-take areas by 2026.
• Donald Trump’s administration declined to send a delegation and has authorized deep-sea mining in international Pacific waters, a move rejected by France as the summit began.
• Several countries, including Samoa and the United Kingdom, are poised to unveil new marine protected areas and bans on bottom trawling to push global protection above 10%.
• Delegates will seek ratifications for the 2023 high seas treaty and aim to secure the remaining signatures needed for its entry into force before the end of the year.