Efforts like the UN High Seas Treaty aim to create international marine protected areas to safeguard this global common. As we continue to uncover the secrets of the deep, it becomes increasingly clear that protecting the open ocean is essential for the health of our entire planet.
Yet, the biodiversity here is breathtaking. From the massive blue whales to the tiny microbes that convert methane into energy at deep-sea seeps, every creature plays a vital role. Predators like sharks act as essential guardians, regulating fish populations and maintaining the health of the entire ecosystem. A Call to Stewardship Episode 03: Open Ocean
Despite its vastness, the open ocean is fragile. We have explored less than 1% of the deep ocean seafloor. Our actions on land, from plastic pollution to unsustainable fishing practices, have a direct impact on these distant waters. Efforts like the UN High Seas Treaty aim