Overview

• The UN Ocean Conference opened in Nice on June 9 to advance the High Seas Treaty and underscore the goal of protecting 30% of global oceans by 2030.
• Prince William warned at Monaco of urgent threats posed by rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution and overfishing, urging nations to accelerate creation of marine protected areas.
• Sir David Attenborough’s new documentary Ocean exposed the destructive impact of bottom trawling on seabeds and highlighted rapid ecosystem recoveries in designated no-take zones.
• The treaty requires ratification by 60 countries to enter into force but only 32 have signed on so far, with key states including the United States and the United Kingdom still pending.
• Healthy oceans generate half of the world’s oxygen, regulate climate and feed over three billion people, yet just 3% of marine areas enjoy full protection.