How Do You Protect an Ocean Nobody Owns?

High Seas Treaty | Ocean Governance | Marine Protection

How do you protect an ocean that belongs to everyone and no one at the same time?

In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Rebecca Hubbard, Director of the High Seas Alliance, about one of the most important ocean agreements in history: the High Seas Treaty.

The high seas cover nearly half of Earth’s surface and contain some of the planet’s most important ecosystems. Yet for decades, there has been no comprehensive way to create marine protected areas, assess environmental impacts, or coordinate conservation efforts in waters beyond national borders.

Rebecca explains how the treaty came together, why countries are racing to ratify it, what happens once it enters into force, and the challenges of turning a global agreement into real protection. We also discuss marine protected areas, enforcement, biodiversity conservation, and why the next few years could determine the future of ocean governance.

If you’ve ever wondered who is responsible for protecting the ocean beyond national waters, this episode is for you.

Listen now to learn why the High Seas Treaty could become one of the most important conservation tools of the century.