Did the UN Ocean Conference Make Waves or Slip by Without a Ripple?
The third UN Ocean Conference highlighted both encouraging global commitments and critical gaps in efforts to protect ocean ecosystems.
The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in Nice, brought together world leaders, scientists, youth, civil society, and Indigenous representatives to assess progress on SDG 14: Life Below Water.
What happened at UNOC?
The conference highlighted global pledges to protect marine ecosystems, concluding with renewed support for the High Seas Treaty, and the Nice Ocean Action Plan, a two-part framework comprising a political declaration and voluntary commitments.
Other key outcomes include:
A call for international bodies like the FAO to address abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear – one of the deadliest sources of marine plastic pollution.
A reaffirmation of the 30×30 target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. This stands out as critical given that only 8.3% is currently designated as protected, and just 2.8% is effectively managed.
A strong push for ratification of the High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023, which could provide long-needed protections for marine life in the vast areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The adoption of the European Ocean Pact with €1 billion to support ocean conservation, science, and sustainable fishing by the European Commission.
The launch of a new political initiative called Friends of Marine Protected Areas by conference co-hosts to boost global momentum toward protecting marine areas.
The talk’s blind spots
Although the conference makes encouraging mentions of sustainable fisheries and marine plastic pollution, it does not go far enough to ensure the protection of marine life.
The High Seas Treaty is still not in force: The High Seas Treaty is still awaiting entry into force, with 50 countries having ratified it – just 10 short of the required 60. While the final push didn’t materialise in Nice, pressure is mounting on the remaining governments to take action and make the treaty legally binding.
High Seas harmful fishing practices: While the declaration encourages sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, it lacks firm commitments to eliminate practices like bottom trawling and high bycatch, which continue to degrade marine ecosystems.
Marine animals and climate: The role of marine species in climate mitigation, – such as their contributions to carbon cycling was entirely absent from the Nice Ocean Action Plan.
Deep-sea mining: Though the declaration welcomes progress on international regulation, it fails to support a precautionary approach or moratorium, despite 37 countries saying no to deep sea mining and 23 signing a joint statement.
Underwater noise pollution: The declaration recognises ship noise but neglects other damaging sources like seismic surveys and military sonar, missing a key opportunity to address a pervasive and underregulated threat.
Filling the gaps
To achieve meaningful ocean protection, several critical steps must be taken. First, at least 10 more countries must ratify the High Seas Treaty for it to come into force and address gaps in the current legal framework for the high seas. Stronger action against destructive fishing is also essential. For instance, Ghana’s pledge to ban bottom trawling and industrial fishing shows an example of the level of commitment needed globally. Additionally, aquatic animal welfare remains overlooked and must be better integrated into ocean governance, through measures such as more humane capture methods, bycatch reduction, and ethical consumption. The growing international support for a pause on deep-sea mining should be translated into policy. Lastly, although current declarations fall short on ocean noise, the launch of the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean backed by 37 countries marks significant momentum for regulation and soundscape protection.
The way forward
Despite some positive aspects, the UNOC declaration doesn’t align with animal welfare concerns. Marine species are not only vulnerable but essential for ocean and climate health – from carbon sequestration to ecosystem stability. To secure a resilient future for our planet, ocean governance must recognise and protect the value and vital roles of marine life.
UNOC in numbers:
51 ratifications for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)
10% of marine area will become protected, an increase from 8.4% before UNOC
96 ministers engaged for an ambitious Plastics Treaty
37 countries have called for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining
Source: ClientEarth