The High Seas are areas of the ocean that are not part of any country’s territory and cover nearly half of the earth, with rich biodiversity that is integral to the health of the planet. 90 North Foundation’s focus is on catalysing conservation measures for one such area which is especially vulnerable due to the rapid effects of climate change, the Central Arctic Ocean.

Through membership of the High Seas Alliance, 90 North Foundation’s first aim is to help drive the ratification of the UN High Seas Treaty – an international agreement which will safeguard biodiversity in the ocean beyond countries national jurisdictions. The UK government has signed, but is yet to pass this into law in its own parliament. Sixty countries must do so before the Treaty can officially come into force.

Arctic Ocean explorer and conservationist Pen Hadow, who founded 90 North Foundation, explains: “Joining the High Seas Alliance gives us the opportunity to spotlight the Central Arctic Ocean, and add our voice to the many other wonderful organisations campaigning for protection of the High Seas. The Arctic Ocean is warming four times faster than any other part of the global ocean. By 2035, it could be 85 per cent ice-free in the summer, including at the North Pole itself. And it could be totally ice-free for nine months each year within another 45 years.”

Hadow continues: “If our planet loses its northern white ‘cap’ – which is a heat shield of vital importance – it will trigger far-reaching and uncharted consequences for us all. Collaboration with other esteemed organisations through initiatives like the High Seas Alliance is a critical lever for protecting our ocean and all life on Earth.”

Dr Graeme Chesters, research director at 90 North Foundation and lead on the High Seas Alliance adds: “We will be joining our first working groups this week, including those in preparation for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP in Colombia in October. This is an important moment for ocean conservation. Together we can multiply our power to drive meaningful change for our ocean, and for us all – our lives and those of countless other species depend on it.”

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