The world's oceans, once thought to contain inexhaustible resources, are under increasing threat. In recent years, scientific study after scientific study has pointed to the fact that human activities and fishing in particular have been putting extreme pressure on marine ecosystems to the point that profound ecosystem changes are being experienced in many parts of the world. The ecosystem approach is vital if we are to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.
Three distinct high seas areas exist within the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), entirely bound by the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of surrounding island nations. These high seas enclaves, colloquially known as “donut holes” or “high seas pockets” have significant biological and ecological importance and face a number of threats, including overfishing and the potential extraction of seabed minerals in the future. Greenpeace is advocating that these areas be designated as fully-protected marine reserves.
A four-month-long undercover investigation by Greenpeace uncovers some of the whaling industry's dirtiest secrets -- including embezzlement of whale meat from the taxpayer-subsidized programme.
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is now 25 years old. The time has come to consider the establishment of a new implementing agreement under UNCLOS. Such an implementing agreement would be comprehensive and legally binding, and build upon the existing provisions of UNCLOS, providing a clear mandate to protect biodiversity on the high seas, based on the precautionary principle and ecosystem-based management for the next 25 years and beyond.
The elements of this text provide a model implementing agreement for the conservation and management articles of UNCLOS with respect to biodiversity on the high seas.
Global tuna stocks are in big trouble. Tuna is one of the world’s favourite fish, the staple protein in the diet of millions, and the fish at the core of the luxury sashimi market. Today, there is the real possibility that commercial extinction is imminent for some stocks of these valuable and iconic species.
