Pew Joins Scientists' Call to Protect the High Seas, and Ensure Equitable Use of Marine Resources

Nichola Clark, an officer with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ protecting ocean life on the high seas project, co-authored a letter to be published in Science on June 4, 2021, that sets out key priorities for negotiations on an international treaty to safeguard biodiverse waters beyond any nation’s jurisdiction.

The scientists say that the agreement should include a framework both to establish a network of marine protected areas in the high seas, including fully protected marine reserves, and to conduct environmental impact assessments and strategic environmental assessments in these ocean areas. The agreement also must lay out the institutional mechanisms required for effective implementation. The authors encourage scientists from around the world to support the call for a robust United Nations treaty by adding their names to the letter, which would help reflect the global nature of what is at stake in protecting the high seas.