The article emphasizes the urgency of ocean conservation highlighted by the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference and the inadequacy of current protections, where only 2.7% of oceans are safeguarded. It stresses the importance of the High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023, which proposes the establishment of marine protected areas in unregulated international waters. Mauro Randone from the World Wildlife Fund underscores the chaotic state of high seas fishing. The Independent's role in creating accessible quality journalism amid significant societal issues is also highlighted.
The summit comes as just 2.7% of the ocean is effectively protected from destructive extractive activities, far below the 30% conservation target set for 2030.
Mauro Randone stated, 'It's the Wild West out there with countries just fishing anywhere without any sort of regulation, and that needs to change.'
The High Seas Treaty could allow nations for the first time to establish marine protected areas in international waters, covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean.
Quality journalism should be available to everyone, which is why The Independent operates without paywalls, enabling access to timely and critical reporting.
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