The Global Ocean Treaty has now been ratified by 60 countries. The agreement will allow for the creation of marine protected areas on the high seas.

The treaty will enable the creation of ocean sanctuaries where ocean life will be protected from threats like destructive bottom trawling deep sea mining.

Less than 0.9% of international waters are either fully or partly protected currently. The treaty will allow the creation of a network of  ocean sanctuaries around the globe – including in the Tasman Sea between Aotearoa and Australia.

New Zealand has signed the treaty but is yet to ratify it.

Image: High Seas Alliance