Highly
migratory species can be protected in national waters, but immediately lose
that protection the moment they cross into the high seas. Sharks, rays, turtles
and other ocean travellers spend much of their lives moving through
international waters, the two-thirds of the ocean where, until now, almost
nothing kept them safe.
The
High Seas Treaty closes that gap. For the first time, governments have the
opportunity to create marine protected areas in international waters, extending
protection beyond national borders to the open ocean these species depend on.
The Treaty is now law, but two things still have to happen: every government
needs to adopt it, and those that do must turn it into real protection on the
water.
Divers
know this ocean first-hand. We see what thrives and what's disappearing, and we
have a direct stake in protecting the species that draw us to the water. The
dive community deserves a seat where those decisions are made.
Add
your name. Every signature gives the PADI AWARE Foundation a stronger mandate
to represent divers as the Treaty is put into action, and to help make sure the
places we dive, and the species that move between them, are protected for good.