Ocean Conservation Agreements: A Delicate Balance of Power

Ocean conservation agreements have been a cornerstone of international environmental law since the 1970s, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) being a seminal example. The agreement, signed by 167 countries, sets out a framework for the use of the world's oceans and their resources. However, the effectiveness of such agreements is often hindered by conflicting national interests, with countries like the United States and China having different priorities. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is another key agreement, regulating the trade of endangered marine species. Despite these efforts, the health of the world's oceans continues to deteriorate, with plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change being major concerns. As the world looks to the future, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the world's oceans, with some arguing for a more radical approach, such as the establishment of marine protected areas, while others advocate for a more incremental approach, building on existing agreements.