In the past three years, the United States has made significant progress in global ocean conservation efforts. As the ninth Our Ocean Conference approaches, stakeholders are gearing up to discuss the way forward in securing President Biden's ocean legacy.
One of the key focuses is on achieving the 30x30 conservation target. A statement mentioned, "The United States is on the cusp of achieving 30×30 on ocean, especially if strong fisheries measures are counted as 'other effective area-based conservation measures.'" However, there is a call for new protected area designations in various parts of the country to fully realize this goal.
Despite advancements, there are concerns about the implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs). It was highlighted that "Nearly half of marine conserved area coverage in the United States remains unimplemented," emphasizing the need for proper funding, staffing, and enforcement to ensure the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Furthermore, there is a pressing need for the United States to ratify the BBNJ treaty and encourage other nations to do the same to enhance conservation provisions on the high seas. The call to go "beyond 30×30" underscores the importance of focusing on equitable ocean policies and diverse habitat conservation to protect critical ecosystems.
Emphasizing the importance of community engagement, it was mentioned that "The Biden administration must give critical federal support to front-line ocean communities," to ensure their active participation in conservation initiatives. Additionally, the conference serves as a platform to discuss new challenges, such as ocean carbon dioxide removal methods, and the need to balance clean energy installations with ecological conservation.
In conclusion, while significant strides have been made in ocean conservation under the Biden administration, there is a collective call to prioritize implementation and sustainable practices to secure these achievements. The Our Ocean Conference and ongoing efforts aim to propel the nation towards effective and equitable ocean policies, ensuring the protection of critical habitats for future generations.
