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The United Nations Ocean Conference kicked off Monday in Nice, France, with a strong warning from UN Secretary-General António Guterres: the world must not allow the deep seas to turn into an unregulated “wild west.” His comments come as countries grapple with complex and contentious issues surrounding seabed mining, plastic pollution, and sustainable ocean governance.
Addressing heads of state and civil society at the summit, Guterres said, “We are entering uncharted waters when it comes to seabed mining. Let us tread carefully.”
Growing Pressure Over Seabed Mining Regulations
Central to the summit’s debate is the rapidly evolving — and highly controversial — field of deep-sea mining. With growing demand for critical minerals used in green technologies, the push to extract resources from the ocean floor has sparked environmental alarm.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is set to meet in July to hash out a global mining code, which would regulate exploration and exploitation activities beyond national jurisdictions.
The urgency intensified after moves by the United States, under the administration of former President Donald Trump, to accelerate deep-sea exploration in international waters — a move that appeared to bypass global efforts to establish safeguards.
Many countries, led by France, are calling for a moratorium on seabed mining until further scientific data is available on its potential ecological consequences.
Macron: “The Deep Sea Is Not for Sale”
French President Emmanuel Macron took a firm stance, declaring that a pause on seabed mining is “an international necessity.”
“It’s madness to launch predatory economic action in ecosystems we barely understand — to disrupt biodiversity and release irreversible carbon sinks,” Macron warned to thunderous applause.
He emphasized that areas like the deep sea, Greenland, and Antarctica should be off-limits for exploitation. “They are not for sale,” he declared.
High Seas Treaty Set to Enter Into Force
In a major diplomatic milestone, Macron announced that the High Seas Treaty, finalized in 2023, had reached the required 60 country ratifications to enter into force.
“This treaty is a done deal,” he said, although he did not provide a specific date for its formal implementation.
The treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which comprise nearly half the Earth’s surface. Ratification signals growing global resolve to tackle unregulated activities on the high seas.
Commitments on Marine Protection Gaining Traction
A wave of announcements marked the opening day of the conference. The United Kingdom announced a partial ban on bottom trawling — a destructive fishing method — in half of its marine protected areas. Bottom trawling involves dragging massive nets along the ocean floor, devastating habitats and species in its path.
The move was welcomed by Greenpeace, though the group criticized the delay in implementing broader protections.
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Meanwhile, France committed to further limiting trawling in its own marine zones, though environmental groups argue these measures fall short of true conservation.
The French Environment Minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, hinted at “important announcements” to come, possibly related to new marine protected areas.
Samoa Leads by Example with New Marine Parks
Small island nations, many of which are bearing the brunt of rising seas, marine pollution, and fish stock depletion, made strong appeals for increased funding and support.
Samoa recently announced that 30% of its national waters will be protected, creating nine new marine parks. The move aligns with a globally agreed target to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Currently, only 8% of oceans are under any form of protection — and even fewer are meaningfully enforced.
Financing Ocean Protection Remains a Key Challenge
While declarations were welcomed, leaders from developing and island states pressed wealthier nations to back commitments with funding.
“Marine conservation without enforcement is just words,” said President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau. “If you are serious about protecting the ocean — prove it.”
The summit is not expected to conclude with a legally binding agreement, but organizers and diplomats hope it will serve as a turning point for global cooperation on ocean governance.
