Nations reach new accord to protect marine life on high seasBy Associated Press ReportersA historic agreement to protect the world’s oceans has been reached following years of negotiations. For the first time, United Nations members have agreed on a unified treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas – nearly half the planet’s surface. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea came into force in 1994, before marine biodiversity was a well-established concept. Many marine species – including dolphins, whales, sea turtles and many fish – make long annual migrations, crossing national borders and the high seas. The high seas have long suffered exploitation due to commercial fishing and mining, as well as pollution from chemicals and plastics.

Source: Irish Independent March 06, 2023 04:31 UTC