Leaders at the UN are making another attempt to pass a world oceans treaty after ten years of negotiations. If finally passed it will protect a third of Earth's seas from exploitation. As Earth plunges ever deeper into the climate crisis, the oceans are are exhibiting more effects of global warming. Currrently less than two percent of internaitonal waters, known as "high seas" are protected from overfishing and other forms of exploitation. The squid fishing industry off Argentina's two hundred mile territorial limit is a good example of such exploitation. Dozens of long line fishing vessels, as big as a freighters, haul thousands of tons of squid out of the ocean every day, 24/7 for shipment to Asia. Research funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that between 10 and 15% of marine species are at risk of extinction. Fragmented administration and lack of political will has prevented passage of a comprehensive treaty to protect the oceans from man. [photo credit: Getty Images]
Overfishing, acidification and warming are just a few adverse impacts. Deep sea mining for minerals like cobalt used in electronics is becoming an increasing threat to marine health. The international autority which regulates these activities issued 31 contracts as of March 2022. Countries agreed to hold a fifth and perhaps final session to try and pass an agreement by the end of the year. Reaching agreements among Earth's nations is not hopeless, as the Paris Climate Accords showed. Leading countries like the United States and Europe should insist on reaching a necessary framework if man is to avoid planetary collapse.
