Two Historic Victories for World Oceans

From United Nations Climate Week in New York City, I’m happy to share the news of two hard fought victories for world oceans.

Several days ago, the United Nations announced that  an historic treaty for protection of the planet’s high seas had cleared a final hurdle for ratification, and that this treaty will soon become international law.  For me and many other activists, this marks the culmination of a struggle over several decades to bring better, and critically important, stewardship practices, to the largest ecosystem on Earth.  

There is more long-awaited good news from The World Trade Association (WTO).  In a Sept 15 special General Council meeting, WTO members celebrated the entry into force of a WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsiding, committing members to curbing billions of dollars in annual spending on the most harmful subsidies, which contribute to depletion of fish stocks.  Global subsidies exceed US $30B annually with 10 nations accounting for 70% of that amount.  Read more HERE

Congratulations to all those who have contributed to these accomplishments as we gather in New York City for Climate Week 2025.