Today is The Global Ocean Commission launched, an independent body of international leaders aiming to reverse degradation of the ocean, restoring it to full health and productivity.
During 2013-14, the Commission will analyze key threats to the international waters known as the ‘high seas’, which make up almost half of the Earth’s surface but are not owned by any one country. This large proportion of the global ocean is under severe and increasing pressure from over-fishing damage to important habitat, climate change and ocean acidi-fication.
The Commission will publish its final recommendations early in 2014, shortly before the UN General Assembly begins discussions on protecting high seas biodiversity.
I am always skeptic to this type of “high-end” gatherings, making big announcements but so little action. But hopefully this could be an initiative in the right direction, resulting in saving the seven seas.