THE biodiversity of the oceans is as seriously threatened as ever, despite efforts to conserve it, according to two new reports. Plans to set up protected areas are proceeding woefully slowly, illegal fishing is thriving, and international pledges to improve matters are achieving little.
Both reports focus on the high seas beyond the 360-kilometre limit of national exclusive economic zones (EEZs). The high seas are especially problematic because they are not governed by any single nation, which means the rules are often complicated and difficult to police.
One way of protecting marine life is by establishing marine protected areas…
