The UN High Seas Treaty places ...

[Michael Grove]

30% of the world's oceans...

into protected areas & puts more money into marine conservation and means new rules for mining at sea.

Environmental groups say it will help reverse biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development. Here's what you need to know:

What are the high seas?

Two-thirds of the world's oceans are currently considered international waters. That means all countries have a right to fish, ship and do research there. But until now only about 1% of these waters - known as high seas - have been protected. This leaves the marine life living in the vast majority of the high seas at risk of exploitation from threats including climate change, overfishing and shipping traffic.

[Michael Grove]

Already Human activity has been devastating marine species from mammals to corals according to the IUCN Red List

SO Which marine species are at risk?

In the latest assessment of marine species, nearly 10% were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Dr Ngozi Oguguah, chief research officer at Nigerian Institute For Oceanography and Marine Research said: "The two biggest causes [of extinction] are overfishing and pollution. If we have marine protected sanctuaries most of the marine resources will have the time to recover."

Abalone species - a type of shellfish - sharks and whales have come under particular pressure due to their high value as seafood and for drugs.