seagulls flying above rough waters
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Protecting Ocean Life on the High Seas

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Protecting Ocean Life on the High Seas
The high seas make up about two-thirds of the world’s ocean, covering the vast expanses beyond the jurisdiction of any country.

Research has shown that the high seas hold some of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity on Earth, supporting abundant fisheries, providing migratory routes for whales and sharks and harboring remarkable ecosystems such as deep-water corals and other majestic marine life.

But the high seas lack consistent and effective oversight. A patchwork of rules and regulations provides little to protect marine life from commercial activities such as fishing, oil and gas exploration and deep-sea mining, all of which are expanding.

The designation of marine protected areas and reserves—the equivalent of national parks at sea—would be a good first step toward providing the needed protection. In an area that is part of the global commons, the challenge starts with establishing an international legal instrument—the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction treaty—to create high seas reserves. This treaty can fill critical governance gaps and ensure effective management of high seas marine resources.

Pew is working to meet that challenge, primarily though the United Nations, which has committed to negotiate an international treaty to protect the high seas.

white branched octocoral
white branched octocoral
Report

Creating the First Generation of High Seas Protected Areas

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Report

Although there is much still to discover, scientists have sufficient data and research to begin mapping and modeling hot spots of biodiversity on the high seas. This report identifies some of the special places that could benefit from protections established under a new high seas treaty.

Data Visualization

Protect High Seas

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Data Visualization

Did you know that only 1% of the high seas have legal protections? Learn more about safeguarding this vital international ecosystem with the marine protected areas tool from Pew.

United Nations Must Finalize High Seas Treaty in 2023
United Nations Must Finalize High Seas Treaty in 2023

United Nations Must Finalize High Seas Treaty in 2023

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The high seas—the ocean area beyond the jurisdiction of any country—covers two-thirds of the ocean and is home to a wealth of biodiversity. And yet only 1% of the high seas is protected. Illegal fishing, overfishing, new and emerging activities such as geoengineering, and climate change are among the many threats to high seas marine life.

Lancet fish
Mesopelagic fishes
Issue Brief

High Seas Treaty Must Reflect Critical Role of Fish in Ecosystems

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Issue Brief

Members of the United Nations are negotiating a treaty that would enable the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), including the international waters known as the high seas.

Our Work

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High Seas Treaty Would Bring Needed Protection
High Seas Whiteboard

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What Are the High Seas?
High Seas

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High Seas: U.N. Has One Chance To Get it Right