30% Ocean Protection Plans Insufficient for Large Species Conservation

New research shows that protecting 30% of the ocean, as targeted by global agreements like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN High Seas Treaty, is insufficient to safeguard large marine species such as sharks, whales, turtles, seals, and seabirds from human threats like fishing, shipping, warming temperatures, and plastic pollution. Scientists emphasize that additional mitigation strategies beyond designated protected areas, including modified fishing gear and ship traffic schemes, are crucial to reducing these pressures. Despite the urgent need, only about 8-9% of the ocean is currently protected, with an even smaller portion effectively safeguarded, and financial investments in ocean conservation fall drastically short—only $1.2 billion is spent annually compared to the $15.8 billion required. The High Seas Treaty, essential for establishing marine protected areas in international waters, has been ratified by only 29 of the 60 countries needed for enforcement, with hopes that the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice will accelerate progress. Experts warn that without significant political leadership, rapid scaling of ambition, and increased funding, the 30×30 ocean conservation goal risks becoming an unmet promise, threatening biodiversity, coastal communities, and the ocean's critical role in mitigating climate change. The conference aims to mobilize global action and finance to bridge this gap and ensure ocean protection efforts deliver tangible benefits by 2030.