SeaOrbiter is an international ocean exploration program supported by an innovative vessel serving as a permanent oceanic observatory and research platform. This is the first International Station for the ocean that will reinforce our knowledge and understanding of the marine universe and its many ecosystems thanks to its long term high seas mission. Among the multidisciplinary missions its primary focus is to obtain a better understanding of the ocean-atmosphere interface to address the challenges of global warming and its many impacts on human civilization. A unique operational concept and vertical design responds to the goal of being able to live and observe under the sea around the clock while drifting passively in the underwater world. If we want to better understand this world and engage in a paradigm shift as far as ocean research is concerned we must move from discontinuous random science in the ocean to a continuous symbiotic comprehension, analysis and monitoring of the underwater world.
SeaOrbiter supports the Global Ocean Commission and the Commission’s proposals that address the many challenges faced by the ocean, and its work within the international fora in manner that improves the ocean.
SeaOrbiter also calls for an integrated stand alone ocean sustainable development goal in order to have a healthier ocean for the sake and benefit of all of us on this blue planet. We also want to support the Mission Ocean concept that not only addresses the message of an Ocean Planet to governments but also to business and civil society as we believe that preserving and properly valuing our ocean is the only successful road for the future of humanity.
We are pleased to commit ourselves to the GOC objectives in any possible way and support its dissemination throughout our networks at a national and international level. We are also keen to relay all relevant information and report produced by the GOC onto our own communication and social networks. We will also actively support any specific initiative on UN SDG for the Ocean and Governing the High Seas.
UNCLOS implementing agreement on high seas marine biological diversity Universal ratification and prompt implementation of existing agreements Special Representative for the Ocean Regional Ocean Management Organisations
Full transparency of all governmental fisheries subsidies, distinguishing fisheries subsidies that are most harmful, as well as an immediate capping and phasing-out of high seas fuel subsidies within five years.
International regulations are failing to preserve the high seas, and to manage its valuable resources sustainably and fairly. The existing governance structure is insufficient, weak and chaotic, and is often not respected. Political leadership is needed to strengthen high seas governance and make it fit for purpose in the 21st Century.
With this in mind, the Global Ocean Commission is calling for:
A new global agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in international waters;
All countries to adhere to ‘the constitution of the ocean’ (UNCLOS) and other relevant international agreements, and to apply them;
The appointment, by the UN Secretary-General, of a high level UN Special Representative for the Ocean, to coordinate all areas related to the ocean and the law of the sea, and provide the leadership needed for action;
Regular independent reviews of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) to make them accountable for their environmental performance;
Regional ocean management organisations (ROMOs) to be created – or formed by adapting existing organisations – that are responsible for the preservation and productivity of the entire ecosystem, rather than only fish resources or specific species;
Ocean envoys or ministers to be appointed at country level, to create stronger coordination between ministries responsible for fishing, environment, climate, development, mining and other ocean-related issues.
Fish stocks are poorly managed and overfished. There are ‘too many boats trying to catch too few fish’ yet, despite this clear overcapacity, governments still grant at least US$30 billion a year in fisheries subsidies. About 60% of these subsidies directly encourage unsustainable practices.
High seas fishing is not equitable. Only fishers from those countries that can afford to subsidise their fleets with public funds can fish in these remote ocean areas; poor countries are excluded. Vessels need to consume huge amounts of fuel in order to travel to the high seas to fish. Fuel subsidies (which generally take the form of tax exemptions) amount to 30% of government fisheries spending. Most high seas fishing is carried out by just 10 nations, most of them developed countries. If it were not for State subsidies, these high seas fishing industries would not be financially viable.
Despite repeated international commitments over the last decade, negotiations under the World Trade Organization have failed to reach an agreement on fisheries subsidies.
The Global Ocean Commission is calling for three major steps:
Full transparency – countries should disclose and account for all their public spending in the fisheries sector;
The international community should reach agreement on the classification of different subsidies and clearly identify those that are harmful.
States should agree to immediately cap fuel subsidies for high seas fisheries, and to eliminate them within five years.