Oceans summit fails to secure treaty to protect marine life

The third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice concluded on Friday on a muted note, falling short of its headline goal of securing the 60 ratifications needed to enforce the High Seas treaty. Critics also claimed the conference failed to address fossil fuel emissions, deep sea mining and practices that may threaten the future of the ocean.

- Katie McQue

“This was the moment for France to lead - and they missed it,” said Alexandra Cousteau, senior adviser to conservation non-profit Oceana, and granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau.

“President Macron promised action on bottom trawling in marine protected areas but delivered only artificial limits and empty words.”

The High Seas treaty, also known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, is a landmark agreement aimed at protecting marine life in areas beyond the control of individual countries. It sets out legally binding commitments for nations.