United Nations on Tuesday kicked-off talks on a 2020 treaty that would regulate the high seas, which cover half the planet yet lack adequate environmental protection. Four sessions of talks, each lasting two weeks, are planned to take place over two years, with the goal of protecting marine biodiversity and avoiding further pillaging of the oceans. In 1982, the UN adopted the Convention on the Law of the Sea, but left the high seas free from restrictions.

UN begins negotiations on treaty to protect imperiled high seas. (2018, September 3). BusinessWorld, p. S2/7.