Thread by @TaotaoTasi

10 thoughts on the draft #HighSeasTreaty being put forward for approval:

1. It exempts all military action
2. The section on marine genetic resources exempts all fish and fishing
3. Part 3 -- the section on MPAS -- doesn't include the word "fish"

4. The objective of Part 3 opens with "Conserve and sustainably use areas requiring protection" using ABMTs and MPAs
5. The objectives list the following threats to ocean health: " climate change, ocean acidification
and marine pollution." I think something is missing

5. Article 17 goes on to describe how proposals for ABMTs and/or MPAs can be developed and what they must include. A draft management plan must be included. This is a heavy lift, and creates a chicken/egg situation with Article 18.

6. Article 18 describes the consultation process, resulting in a revised proposal submitted to a Scientific and Technical Body, which makes recommendations to the Conference of the Parties

7. Article 19 describes the decision making process.

This is going to be problematic: "In taking decisions under this article, the Conference of the Parties shall respect the competences of and, not undermine, relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies"

8. Decisions will be made by consensus, except in cases where where they can't

If 2/3 of the members present call for a vote, one can be held and it will pass with 3/4 voting yes

9. If an MPA is created, any country can write an objection within 120 days, and the MPA won't apply to them (similar to what countries do at CITES when they don't like the outcomes)

10. The treaty attempts to limit who can take an objection, including forcing the country to renew their objection every three years

You know how in the 1st Lord of the Rings book, Frodo thought all he was going to have to do was get the Ring to Rivendell?

This was an incredible first step towards achieving 30% on the high seas -- but it's just the first step.

There's still a Balrog under Khazad-dûm

I encourage you to read the text

It is made available for all citizens of the Earth to read, criticize or compliment

un.org/bbnj/sites/www…