OCEAN TREATY – HISTORIC AGREEMENT REACHED AFTER DECADE OF TALKS

Nations have reached a historic agreement to protect the world‘s oceans following 10 years of negotiations.

The Ocean Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature.

The agreement was reached on Saturday evening, after 38 hours of talks, at UN headquarters in New York. The negotiations had been held up for years over disagreements on funding and fishing rights.

The Ocean Treaty, also known as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), was created to establish a legal framework for the use and protection of the world‘s oceans. The treaty covers a wide range of topics related to the ocean, including navigation and shipping, fishing, conservation of marine life, and deep sea mining.

It was adopted in 1982 and entered into force in 1994, and as of 2021, 168 countries are party to the treaty.

The Ocean Treaty establishes a framework for the use and conservation of the oceans and their resources, including maritime boundaries, navigation, fishing, and the protection of marine environments. It also establishes the rights and responsibilities of coastal states, including the exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from their coastlines.

The Ocean Treaty has been hailed as a significant step forward for international law and environmental protection, as it establishes a comprehensive legal regime for the use and conservation of the oceans.

One of the main effects of the Ocean Treaty on maritime life is its focus on protecting and preserving marine biodiversity. The treaty calls for the conservation and management of living resources in the ocean, including fish, mammals, and other wildlife. This has led to the establishment of protected areas, such as marine parks and reserves, where fishing and other activities are restricted to ensure the health and sustainability of these ecosystems.

Moreover, the Ocean Treaty also aims to regulate and reduce pollution in the oceans, which can have detrimental effects on marine life. The treaty requires countries to take measures to prevent, reduce, and control pollution from ships, offshore installations, and land-based sources.

Overall, the Ocean Treaty promotes the sustainable use and protection of the world‘s oceans, which can have a positive impact on maritime life by preserving habitats, reducing overfishing, and minimizing pollution.