We are almost out of time: SA signs treaty to advance marine conservation at 2025 UN Ocean Conference – but global momentum is still lacking

On his recent 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough launched a new documentary bringing to light the critical state of global ocean conservation. With stunning visuals and Attenborough’s iconic narration, Ocean drove home an unequivocal message: “We are almost out of time.”

The film is nothing short of a crucial watch. Its release coincided with a pivotal moment in global ocean diplomacy and conservation, preceding the 2025 United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference, which was held in Nice, France, at the start of June. Attenborough expressed hope that the documentary would appeal to key decision-makers at the conference.

Ocean highlighted the devastating environmental impact of large-scale commercial fishing methods like bottom trawling. This practice devastates seabeds that were once vibrantly populated by coral reefs and marine life – leaving them equivalent to marine deserts. The documentary featured novel footage of industrial trawlers plowing ocean beds to the point of destruction, providing first-time insight into the brutal reality of the controversial practice. Repeated plowing not only prevents marine ecosystems from healing and regenerating, but also disturbs large amounts of carbon stored in the seabed. Trawling is therefore also considered a concerning contributor to the worsening climate crisis.

On the South African coastline, trawling is commonly used to catch hake and sole. It has been linked to overfishing, bycatch of vulnerable marine species such as dolphins and turtles, as well as destruction of coral reefs and other sensitive marine biomes. A 2023 report by WILDTRUST, an environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO), also found that inshore trawl fishery in South Africa can lead to dwindling catches for small-scale commercial and subsistence fishers. Overfishing and destruction of marine ecosystems caused by fishing methods like trawling can leave small fishing communities searching for scraps instead of being able to live in harmony with the once-plentiful waters they have called home for generations.

Record global temperatures in the past year have led to unprecedented scales of mass coral bleaching, with scientists predicting that all coral reefs could disappear in just 30 years. Indicators such as these speak to the overall health of our oceans, and may make one feel as though we are, in fact, out of time. But this is not the case. Ocean appealed to the vital importance of marine protected areas (MPAs), emphasising the spectacular regenerative capabilities of marine ecosystems. 

If left undisturbed, even severely overfished and trawled areas are able to return to their former natural glory in just five years – as was the case when just under 800 square kilometers along the Channel Islands in the United States were declared a marine reserve, or no-take zone. When ecosystems are allowed to restore balance in MPAs, fish populations quickly replenish and often spill over into neighbouring areas where fishing is allowed, therefore simultaneously benefitting local communities and furthering efforts of ocean conservation and rehabilitation. In order to save major marine ecosystems from complete collapse, scientists have estimated that 30 percent of our oceans must be declared MPAs. Currently, less than nine percent of our oceans are protected areas.

Ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, international scientists and activists protested in Nice to call for a total ban on bottom trawling. The conference was anticipated to yield acceleration strategies for international cooperation towards marine conservation and sustainability, especially with regards to the High Seas Treaty. If implemented, the High Seas Treaty, or Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, will allow MPAs to be established in the High Seas, which is crucial in reaching the goal of protecting a third of our oceans. 

Although the Treaty was expected to be ratified at the recent conference, only 19 new countries deposited ratifications, including Greece, Vietnam, Indonesia, Jordan, Belgium and Denmark. This leaves the total number at 50 countries – ten short of the 60 ratifications necessary for the Treaty to be entered into force. In a recent press release, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment announced that South Africa signed the High Seas Treaty during the UN conference, indicating the country’s intent to adopt the treaty, but will only count towards the total number of countries once it has been ratified by Parliament.

Healthy marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs, act as carbon sponges – significantly reducing carbon in the atmosphere and therefore combatting the climate crisis beyond the borders of the sea. Establishing more MPAs could be a make-or-break factor in avoiding further climate catastrophe and turning the tide of the climate crisis. Efforts towards more protected oceans should be internationally collaborative in nature and include the input of indigenous and coastal communities that directly rely on marine resources for continued existence. We are not out of time – yet. Although the recent UN conference delivered large promises, the dire point at which ocean conservation currently stands undoubtedly warrants greater momentum and urgency.