The high seas are defined as all parts of the ocean that lie outside of national jurisdictions. This includes areas not included in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, or internal waters of any country, as well as the archipelagic waters of archipelagic nations. These regions represent areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).
The high seas cover approximately 64% of the ocean's surface, making them one of the most biologically productive areas. They host a significant portion of marine life, contributing to global biodiversity.
The exclusive economic zone is a designated sea area that extends up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline. Within this zone, the coastal state holds special rights regarding the exploration and utilization of marine resources.
In the context of high seas governance, "the Area" refers to the seabed beyond the limits of coastal countries' continental shelves. This definition is provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is managed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the benefit of all humanity.
The ISA is tasked with regulating the exploration and exploitation of seabed mineral resources in "the Area." Its primary goal is to ensure that these activities benefit all humankind while maintaining sustainable management practices.
Governance of the high seas faces numerous challenges. It is often fragmented, with various regional and sectoral organizations overseeing different activities, such as fishing and shipping. This fragmentation complicates the creation of cohesive management and protection strategies.
The BBNJ treaty is an internationally legally binding instrument currently under negotiation within the framework of UNCLOS. Its aim is to enhance the management and protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas, focusing on conservation, sustainable use of resources, establishment of marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building.
It is anticipated that the BBNJ treaty will introduce a Conference of the Parties (COP), which will possess centralized decision-making authority over crucial aspects of biodiversity conservation and sustainable usage in ABNJ.
Q1. What are the high seas?
Answer: The high seas are ocean areas not included in a country's territorial waters or exclusive economic zones, representing regions beyond national jurisdiction.
Q2. How much of the ocean do the high seas cover?
Answer: The high seas account for about 64% of the ocean's surface and are vital for marine biodiversity, hosting diverse marine life.
Q3. What is the importance of the International Seabed Authority (ISA)?
Answer: The ISA regulates seabed mineral exploitation in "the Area" to ensure sustainable practices benefit all humankind, promoting responsible ocean management.
Q4. What challenges does high seas governance face?
Answer: High seas governance is often fragmented, with multiple organizations managing various activities, complicating comprehensive management and protection efforts.
Q5. What does the BBNJ treaty aim to achieve?
Answer: The BBNJ treaty seeks to improve the management and protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas, focusing on conservation and sustainable resource use.
Question 1: What defines the high seas?
A) Areas within national jurisdiction
B) Regions outside exclusive economic zones
C) Coastal waters of a country
D) Inland lakes and rivers
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the role of the International Seabed Authority (ISA)?
A) To govern territorial waters
B) To regulate seabed mineral resources
C) To manage coastal fisheries
D) To oversee maritime transport
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How much of the ocean do the high seas cover?
A) 50%
B) 64%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)?
A) Sea area up to 50 nautical miles
B) Zone extending 200 nautical miles from the coast
C) International waters beyond 200 miles
D) Areas reserved for marine protected areas
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What does the BBNJ treaty focus on?
A) Oil drilling regulations
B) Marine biodiversity protection
C) Shipping lanes management
D) Coastal development plans
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is "the Area" in high seas governance?
A) Coastal waters
B) Seafloor beyond continental shelves
C) Exclusive economic zones
D) Territorial seas
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: Which organization oversees the BBNJ treaty negotiations?
A) World Trade Organization
B) International Maritime Organization
C) United Nations
D) International Seabed Authority
Correct Answer: C
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