UN Ocean Conference: Mapping, High Seas Treaty, and Conservation Steps

The Importance of Ocean Mapping

• 💡 Ocean mapping is foundational for conservation, enabling us to understand and protect what we cannot see.
• 🗺️ Currently, only 26.1% of the ocean floor is mapped at the high resolution needed for effective conservation.
• 🌊 The experience of descending to the deepest ocean points highlights the interconnectedness of all ocean systems and the need for protection.

Next Steps in Ocean Conservation

• 🔬 Continued mapping and study are crucial for understanding biodiversity and seafloor structures.
• 🌊 The One Ocean Science Congress emphasized providing actionable scientific knowledge for next steps, including mapping, plastic reduction, and understanding ocean acidification.
• ⚠️ Mapping is the first step before analysis and taking action on issues like plastic pollution and emissions.

Challenges and Communication

• 🗣️ Key challenges in ocean conservation include making people aware of the issues and securing financing.
• 🌐 Communicating the wonder, importance, and vitality of the ocean is essential to foster protection and understanding.
• 🔌 The ocean's health impacts everyone, affecting weather, food, and even 99% of internet traffic via submarine cables.

The High Seas Treaty

• 🌍 The High Seas Treaty is essential for monitoring and managing the majority of the planet's ocean space, which lies beyond national jurisdictions.
• ⏳ Ratification of the treaty is crucial but may take significant time and pressure from nations.
• 🚫 More study of high seas areas is needed before undertaking destructive practices like deep-sea mining.

Public Engagement and Action

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Typical individuals can help by educating themselves on ocean issues, interacting with scientists and policymakers, and understanding the impact of plastics and emissions.
• 🐠 While reefs are often focused on, many other ocean areas are vital to our success.
• 💻 Technologies like digital twins of the ocean help in understanding, planning, and predicting ocean changes.