UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on world leaders to prevent the deep sea from turning into the “wild west,” warning against unregulated exploitation as the UN Ocean Conference kicked off in Nice.
The summit, attended by over 60 heads of state and government, focuses on contentious issues such as deep-sea mining and plastic pollution. Guterres backed ongoing efforts to establish a global seabed mining code, urging caution in the face of growing interest in harvesting critical minerals from the ocean floor.
“The deep sea cannot become the wild west,” he said, drawing applause from delegates.
French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for a moratorium on seabed mining, calling it “madness” to disrupt ecosystems with so little knowledge of their impact. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed similar concerns, urging the International Seabed Authority to stop a “predatory race” for ocean resources.
Macron also confirmed that the 2023 high seas treaty—aimed at protecting marine life in international waters—has reached the threshold to become law, with 50 ratifications and 15 formal commitments.
Meanwhile, the UK is set to announce a partial ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas. France has also pledged new restrictions, though critics say stronger action is needed.
With only 8% of global oceans under protection and a goal of 30% by 2030, the summit may not yield binding agreements but is seen as a critical moment for ocean conservation.
The summit, attended by over 60 heads of state and government, focuses on contentious issues such as deep-sea mining and plastic pollution. Guterres backed ongoing efforts to establish a global seabed mining code, urging caution in the face of growing interest in harvesting critical minerals from the ocean floor.
“The deep sea cannot become the wild west,” he said, drawing applause from delegates.
French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for a moratorium on seabed mining, calling it “madness” to disrupt ecosystems with so little knowledge of their impact. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed similar concerns, urging the International Seabed Authority to stop a “predatory race” for ocean resources.
Macron also confirmed that the 2023 high seas treaty—aimed at protecting marine life in international waters—has reached the threshold to become law, with 50 ratifications and 15 formal commitments.
Meanwhile, the UK is set to announce a partial ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas. France has also pledged new restrictions, though critics say stronger action is needed.
With only 8% of global oceans under protection and a goal of 30% by 2030, the summit may not yield binding agreements but is seen as a critical moment for ocean conservation.
