A new UN High Seas Treaty is nearing completion after countries, including Britain, agreed to sign it into law, bringing hope for better regulation of international waters.
Defra announced plans to introduce legislation by year-end to ratify the treaty, following growing support from other countries taking a similar stance.
Currently, about two-thirds of the world’s oceans, known as remote waters, lack sufficient rules and are susceptible to issues such as over-fishing, climate change, deep-sea mining, and geo-engineering.
Prince William has recently highlighted the need for urgent action, joining forces with Sir David Attenborough to emphasize the severe challenges facing Earth’s oceans.
Nineteen-three countries supported the High Seas Treaty two years ago, but its enactment requires the ratification by 60 countries, with current support now at 50 countries boosting its prospects.
Raising the stakes, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres stated that a momentous shift lies ahead, reinforcing the crucial role of oceans as the Earth’s source of life and oxygen.
Supporters hail the treaty as a transformative measure, offering unprecedented sea protection and bringing order to the often-lawless “Wild West” of the seas.
Although there could be accountability for signatory countries, enforcing the rules on all participants would be complex, especially considering the current climate of diminishing environmental commitments by major global players.
The treaty will promote sharing of technology, resources, and financial support among involved nations to foster collective decision-making.
The UK’s delayed engagement in the ratification process has faced criticism from environmental groups, but the Defra stated it will help safeguard marine life against unsustainable activities.
During the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the UK government also proposed expanding bans on destructive fishing practices within its territorial waters, demonstrating further action towards maritime conservation efforts.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/uk-backs-un-treaty-to-stop-oceans-becoming-the-wild-west-13382017
