A New Era for the High Seas, and the Hard Questions That Come With It

A new international treaty promises to protect marine life across the high seas for the first time in history. Dozens of countries have signed on, but enforcement raises hard questions. Many of the same nations tasked with protecting international waters are also responsible for much of the pressure placed on the ocean. This piece examines what the High Seas Treaty means, where accountability may fall short, and what real ocean protection will require.