Shocking Report Exposes Urgent Need for UN Ocean Treaty to Protect Ocean Health

Shocking extent of threats to ocean health revealed in new report; calls for urgent protection using historic UN Ocean Treaty

The Greenpeace Report

Greenpeace International has released a major new report titled “30×30: From Global Ocean Treaty to Protection at Sea,” which provides a comprehensive analysis of the threats facing the world’s oceans. The report also presents a political roadmap to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ 30×30 target. The report highlights the urgent need to use the new UN Ocean Treaty, which will open for signatures at the UN General Assembly on September 20.

The report, featuring a foreword by Professor Callum Roberts, who developed the original 30×30 Blueprint for Ocean Protection, reveals several alarming trends. Between 2018 and 2022, apparent fishing activity in the high seas increased by 8.5%, with a particularly concerning rise of 22.5% in the areas designated for protection under the 30×30 goal. The report also examines other threats to ocean health, including ocean warming, acidification, pollution, and the emerging issue of deep-sea mining.

The Urgency of Political Action

The Greenpeace report underscores the urgency of taking political action to protect the oceans. Driven by destructive fishing practices, ocean warming, and pollution, maritime ecosystems are suffering. The report emphasizes that the Ocean Treaty provides a powerful tool to safeguard the oceans, but it requires immediate ratification and the establishment of ocean sanctuaries to give marine life the space it needs to recover and thrive.

Greenpeace’s Protect the Oceans campaign emphasizes the importance of fully or highly protected ocean sanctuaries as a solution to the ocean crisis. These sanctuaries, created under the Ocean Treaty, provide a safe haven for marine life, allowing fish populations to recover free from human pressures. Currently, less than 1% of the high seas are properly protected, and the establishment of sanctuaries covering an area larger than the surface of Canada is required to reach the 30×30 goal.

Calls for Action

Chris Thorne, from Greenpeace’s Protect the Oceans campaign, warned that destructive practices at sea pose a significant threat to ocean health and, consequently, the overall health of our planet. To give marine life a fighting chance, at least 30% of the oceans must be protected through the establishment of a network of sanctuaries by 2030. With just seven years remaining, Thorne urged countries serious about ocean protection to sign the Ocean Treaty at the upcoming UN General Assembly next week and ensure its ratification by the UN Ocean Conference in 2025.

To facilitate the establishment of ocean sanctuaries, Greenpeace’s report recommends three specific sites on the high seas for immediate protection: the Emperor Seamounts in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, and the South Tasman Sea/Lord Howe Rise between Australia and New Zealand.

Editorial

The Urgent Need for Ocean Protection

The Greenpeace report serves as a stark reminder of the dire state of our oceans and the urgent need for global action. The threats facing our oceans, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, not only endanger marine life but also have far-reaching consequences for human societies and the planet as a whole. As the report highlights, the Ocean Treaty presents an opportunity to protect our oceans and ensure their long-term health.

The Role of Sustainable Fishing

One of the major threats to the oceans identified in the report is overfishing, particularly the destructive practice of longlining. This fishing method not only depletes fish populations but also leads to high levels of bycatch, further damaging marine ecosystems. As we discuss solutions for ocean protection, it is essential to prioritize sustainable fishing practices that prioritize the health and resilience of marine biodiversity.

The Importance of Ocean Sanctuaries

The establishment of fully or highly protected ocean sanctuaries is crucial to achieving the 30×30 target. These sanctuaries provide a space for marine life to recover and thrive, free from the pressures of human activities. By designating specific areas as protected zones, we can ensure the preservation of critical habitats and the regeneration of fish populations. International cooperation is essential to establish these sanctuaries and create a global network of protected areas.

Advice

Political Commitment and Action

The Greenpeace report highlights the need for countries to demonstrate their commitment to ocean protection by signing and ratifying the Ocean Treaty. It is crucial for world leaders to understand that the protection of our oceans is not just an environmental issue but also a matter of global significance. Governments must prioritize the conservation of marine biodiversity and take concrete actions to establish protected areas.

Supporting Sustainable Fishing Practices

To address the threat of overfishing, governments and industry stakeholders should invest in sustainable fishing practices. This includes implementing stricter regulations on fishing methods, reducing bycatch, and promoting responsible fishing practices. By supporting and incentivizing sustainable fisheries, we can ensure the long-term viability of fish stocks and the health of marine ecosystems.

Individual Actions for Ocean Conservation

While political commitment and international cooperation are vital, individuals can also contribute to ocean conservation. By making sustainable choices in our daily lives, such as consuming sustainable seafood, reducing single-use plastic, and supporting organizations working to protect the oceans, we can collectively make a significant impact on ocean health.

In conclusion, the Greenpeace report’s findings emphasize the urgent need for political action to protect the world’s oceans. The Ocean Treaty presents an opportunity to establish fully or highly protected ocean sanctuaries, but governments must act swiftly to ratify the treaty and implement conservation measures. By prioritizing sustainable fishing practices, supporting the establishment of ocean sanctuaries, and making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can work towards ensuring the long-term health and vitality of our oceans.

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