High Seas Treaty paves the way for ocean protection

National boundaries at sea are invisible, but it can be a matter of life or death for marine animals swimming across them.

In February and March, scientists on a Greenpeace vessel conducted a six-week study around the Galápagos Marine Reserve. They discovered that biodiversity in these vast protected areas is thriving, but safety is a concern in the international waters nearby.

East of the Galápagos Archipelago, migratory species have to cross an area open to industrial fishing, which isn’t regulated by any national laws.

In this region, as in others around the globe, the high seas are facing a rising tide of human activity.

Stuart Banks, Senior Marine Researcher and Principal Investigator at the Charles Darwin Foundation told Euronews: "With new industry, things like deep water mining and unsustainable fishing practices, what we're particularly concerned about is that these areas are particularly susceptible - there's a danger that without actually having some kind of recognition of this kind of incredible diversity, we may lose it before we can even get a chance to recognise, appreciate and protect it."

Nations have historically struggled to designate conservation sites outside their exclusive economic zones. However, activists are hopeful that a new international treaty will change this, allowing for the protection of ocean areas beyond national jurisdictions.

"If we succeed in designating this area as a marine protected area, it will mark a great victory. We'll bridge the gap, ensuring a region once heavily threatened by industrial fishing, is safeguarded, allowing species to navigate safely," explained Ruth Ramos, a campaigner for Greenpeace.

The goal is to remove destructive activities like intense fishing and heavy