Whether they are the tiniest plankton or oceanic giants like blue whales, an abundant array of species live in the two-thirds of the world’s ocean that lie beyond any country’s borders. These are the high seas, and they are “a life support system for the planet,” in the words of marine conservation biologist Callum Roberts.
Since no country owns this area, there’s no effective management to protect this ocean life through marine protected areas including reserves. But many find hope with the United Nations working to develop a new treaty to conserve biodiversity in these important international waters.
See more at www.pewtrusts.org/highseas