This treaty was announced in late January of 2015.

A U.N. representative stated that the U.N. was to begin negotiations on a treaty to protect marine biodiversity in areas extending beyond territorial waters, an action that is wholeheartedly supported by several environmental organizations.

The agreement, which will preserve vast areas of ocean threatened by pollution, overfishing and global warming, and which will address protection of marine life, was reached after countries such as the United States, Russia, Canada, Iceland and Japan (all engaged in fishing and ocean mining) lobbied for a slower timeline.

The majority of the 193 U.N. member countries called for quicker action.

The talks still need to be adopted by the U.N. General Assembly by September.

Sofia Tsenikli of Greenpeace said this: “Today’s agreement could go a long way in securing the protection the high seas desperately need.”

Although there are a number of international treaties already governing fishing activities, we have a long way to go in terms of protecting ocean inhabitants affected by commercial ventures.

A total of 43 percent of the Earth’s surface and 64 percent of ocean waters within international zones are represented by the proposed treaty.

please read on @ http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/04/u-n-headed-toward-an-ocean-biodiversity-treaty-video/