Explorer la gouvernance hybride de l'océan en haute mer pour la mer des Sargasses et le dôme thermal

LE PROJET DE RECHERCHE

Le nom du projet SARGADOM est une combinaison de la mer des Sargasses, nommée d’après l’algue flottante Sargassum sur laquelle repose un écosystème océanique diversifié et productif, et du Dôme thermal, un phénomène océanographique caractérisé par des eaux profondes froides et riches en nutriments, qui remontent vers la surface et génèrent une productivité primaire élevée qui permet de maintenir un réseau alimentaire dynamique.

 

Avec SARGADOM, nous voulons améliorer la protection de la biodiversité, maintenir les services écosystémiques dans ces deux zones sensibles de haute mer et faciliter la conception de modèles hybrides de gouvernance de l’océan. Nous pensons que c’est le seul moyen de faire du traité “BBNJ” non pas une simple déclaration de bonne volonté, mais un outil réel et efficace pour gouverner et protéger la haute mer. Nous voulons contribuer aux négociations des Nations Unies, mais surtout, nous voulons être prêts à contribuer à la phase de mise en œuvre du traité “BBNJ”.

La haute mer représente 64% de l’océan mondial. Elle est régie par la Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer (CNUDM). Son statut international repose sur deux régimes juridiques distincts : i) les fonds marins situés au-delà du plateau continental, dont les ressources minérales sont régies par l’Autorité internationale des fonds marins en tant que patrimoine commun de l’humanité et ii) la colonne d’eau au-dessus des fonds marins, qui est régie par le principe de la liberté de la haute mer.

Les activités économiques qui s’y déroulent sont régies par les États, sous la responsabilité de l’État du pavillon. Cependant, à ce stade il n’y a pas de fondement juridique international permettant de créer des zones de protection qui soient respectées par tous les utilisateurs. On y invoque souvent le principe de non-appropriation de la haute mer et l’impossibilité pour un État de restreindre l’accès d’une zone à un autre État. La gestion durable de la haute mer pose donc un certain nombre de problèmes majeurs.
La CNUDM fournit un cadre pour la gouvernance des zones situées au-delà des juridictions nationales (ZADJN / BBNJ), cependant, le système existant a été décrit comme un « agenda inachevé ». A ce jour, le cadre juridique international existant et les régimes de gestion existants régionaux et / ou sectoriels sont incomplets et inefficaces. La nécessité de réfléchir à une action globale pour la gouvernance et la gestion de ces zones permettant la prise des mesures de conservation et de gestion ou de limitation des activités humaines s’est posée, est discutée à l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies depuis 2004.

Dans ce contexte, en 2017, après un processus de plus de dix ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies (AGNU) a mis en place une conférence intergouvernementale dont le mandat est de négocier un nouvel instrument international juridiquement contraignant (IIJC) sur la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la biodiversité dans les zones situées au-delà des limites de la juridiction nationale (ZADJN / BBNJ). À la fin du quatrième cycle de négociations en mars 2021, les négociateurs de l’IIJC semblent accepter qu’une certaine forme de structure de gouvernance globale – par le biais d’une Conférence des Parties (COP) – est nécessaire.

Le Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses sont deux sites représentatifs de la diversité et de l’importance des écosystèmes de la haute mer. Ils illustrent parfaitement le fait que les limites écologiques (telle l’interconnectivité des écosystèmes) ne correspondent pas aux délimitations juridiques établies par la CNUDM. Il s’agit de formations dynamiques, qui se déplacent, rétrécissent et s’étendent au gré des courants et des vents. Elles se situent principalement au-delà des juridictions nationales, en haute mer, mais peuvent « empiéter » en permanence, régulièrement ou de temps en temps sur des ZEE qui se trouvent sous la souveraineté des États.
La stratégie proposée par le projet consiste à s’appuyer sur une analyse DPSIR (force motrice-pressions-état-impact-réponse) dans chaque site, et d’une analyse de la gouvernance actuelle des deux sites et des améliorations potentielles, qui mèneront à l’élaboration de propositions visant à améliorer la gouvernance et à convenir de l’établissement de mesures de conservation et de gestion appropriées pour les sites. Nous espérons que les résultats de ce travail permettront d’éclairer la mise en œuvre de futurs accords sur d’autres zones de haute mer qui souhaitent concevoir des outils de gestion par zone. Les connaissances acquises appuieront également le développement d’accords et de plans d’action au niveau du Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses.

POURQUOI CES DEUX SITES ?

Le Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses sont deux écosystèmes uniques qui servent de cas pilotes pour faire progresser la conservation de la haute mer et également à tester et réfléchir au concept de gouvernance hybride, combinant des approches globales et régionales.

 

Ces deux sites ont été choisis en raison de l’état relativement avancé des connaissances sur ces deux écosystèmes de haute mer et de l’implication continue des parties prenantes dans les discussions sur les mécanismes de gouvernance potentiels. D’autres facteurs incluent l’importance écologique particulière de ces zones, la qualité des équipes déjà en place et leur implication au niveau mondial. Pour ces raisons, ils peuvent apporter beaucoup à la discussion sur le traité BBNJ, dont l’efficacité dépendra fortement d’une bonne compréhension des enjeux.

 

 
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Le Dôme thermal

Le Dôme thermal est situé à l’intérieur et au-delà des zones économiques exclusives (ZEE) des pays d’Amérique centrale dans le Pacifique tropical oriental. C’est un phénomène formé par la conjonction des alizés et des courants marins qui entraînent la remontée des eaux profondes, froides et riches en nutriments (upwelling). La thermocline est ainsi « soulevée » jusqu’à une quinzaine de mètres de la surface, lui donnant de par sa forme en cloche, son nom de « dôme ». La taille et la localisation du Dôme thermal sont dynamiques. Sa surface moyenne est de 530 000 km2. Sa zone centrale se situe autour de 9°N et 90°W, à plus de 65 km à l’ouest des frontières des ZEE du Costa Rica et du Nicaragua, c’est-à-dire au-delà de leurs juridictions nationales respectives.

La zone du Dôme thermal ne bénéficie pas d’un cadre fort et établi de gouvernance régionale. Cependant, il faut noter la présence de la Commission centraméricaine sur l’environnement et le développement (CCAD). La CCAD, une organisation appartenant au SICA (Central America Integration System), a été créée en 1989. Son rôle est de mettre en valeur le patrimoine naturel de la région par l’usage raisonnable des ressources et le contrôle de la pollution. A travers son Comité compétent sur les questions marines, elle montre un fort intérêt pour la gouvernance et la gestion du Dôme Thermal. Depuis 2014, l’ONG régionale MarViva, avec le soutien du gouvernement du Costa Rica et d’autres gouvernements d’Amérique centrale, conduit une initiative visant à améliorer la gouvernance du Dôme thermal.

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Mer des Sargasses

S’étendant sur plus de 5 millions de km2, la mer des Sargasses est un écosystème unique situé dans le gyre subtropical de l’Atlantique Nord. Elle tire son nom de deux espèces de macro-algues pélagiques (Sargassum natans et S. fluitans) qui s’y accumulent et forment de vastes tapis et andains constituant la base de l’écosystème de haute mer. Seul l’archipel des Bermudes a une façade côtière directe sur la mer des Sargasses. Cette dernière est bordée par le flux des principaux courants océaniques tels le Gulf Stream et le courant nord-atlantique (limites ouest et nord), le courant des Canaries (limite plus diffuse à l’est), et le courant équatorial nord qui, avec le courant des Antilles, forment la limite sud

Depuis 2010, le projet de la mer des Sargasses, développé en association avec l’UICN et d’autres partenaires et dirigé par le gouvernement des Bermudes, collabore avec un grand nombre de parties prenantes du gouvernement, du monde universitaire et du secteur privé, ainsi que des collaborateurs intéressés, afin d’attirer l’attention de la communauté internationale sur l’importance de l’écosystème de la mer des Sargasses. Il cherche à utiliser les organisations internationales existantes disposant de compétences établies pour mettre en place des mesures de conservation dans la mer des Sargasses, et d’utiliser ce processus comme modèle pour d’autres régions. En 2014, les gouvernements se sont réunis aux Bermudes pour signer la Déclaration de Hamilton sur la collaboration pour la conservation de la mer des Sargasses, qui, en 2022, compte un total de dix gouvernements signataires. Il s’agit d’un accord politique non contraignant entre les gouvernements intéressés situés dans la région élargie de la mer des Sargasses ou ayant un intérêt pour la conservation de la haute mer. La Commission de la mer des Sargasses, un organisme indépendant établi par une déclaration politique, a été décrite comme un nouveau paradigme pour la gouvernance en haute mer.

RÉSULTATS ATTENDUS

Les résultats attendus du projet sont différents pour les deux sites d’étude.

Pour le Dôme thermal, il s’agit de propositions multisectorielles pour la gouvernance et la réglementation de la haute mer, en mettant l’accent sur la pêche et la navigation, qui seront soumises aux parties prenantes des Nations Unies par les gouvernements soutenant le processus. Pour la Commission de la mer des Sargasses, il s’agit d’un programme d’action stratégique soumis à l’approbation des principales parties prenantes, dont les Signataires de la Déclaration de Hamilton.

 

En développant des structures de gouvernance innovantes pour le Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses, le projet vise à acquérir des connaissances qui permettront de formuler des recommandations pour d’autres sites ou d’autres futurs accords globaux sur la haute mer en général.

Chiffres clés

A propos de la haute mer

0 %
de l'océan
0 M
d'espèces non identifiées
0 %
des habitats occupés de la Terre
PARTENAIRES

SARGADOM est le résultat d’une collaboration internationale entre des instituts de recherche, des ONG, des gestionnaires de zones marines et des financeurs publics.

Partenaires de mise en oeuvre du projet

Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Duke University Marine Lab – Nicholas School of the Environment

Imperial College

Neptune and company

OFB

Avec le soutien de

Fonds français pour l’environnement mondial

Global Fishing Watch

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration

University of Edinburgh

Global Environment Facility

  • COP28 begins in Dubai, UAE today - under the UNFCCC, each party has agreed to “avoid dangerous climate change” and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean, and the high seas in particular, can play a huge role in climate change mitigation in the nature based solutions they provide. Keeping the Thermal Dome and the Sargasso Sea healthy means that these areas of the ocean can continue to support complex marine ecosystems that sequester huge amounts of carbon.
  • The SARGADOM project held its third steering committee meeting two weeks ago in Costa Rica. This meeting reviewed the second annual report and wrapped up the second year of the project. Now that all of our implementing partner reports are in, the socio-ecosystem diagnostic analyses for both sites can be put together. In addition, a gaps analysis will be undertaken for both sites and priorities for collecting data will be identified. This comprehensive scientific understanding of the two sites will allow for the development of governance models. 

Since the start of the project, the BBNJ agreement final text has been adopted, and the project recognised the importance of the work being done reacting to, and informing, the BBNJ agreement. 

The project also has a large communications and capacity building component - the development of a massive open online course and a knowledge base on high seas governance are in the works. 

@fundacionmarviva @sargassoseacmsn @universitebrest @ofbiodiversite
  • The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
  • The 28th session of the @isba_hq assembly and council (part III) is taking place in Jamaica right now. SARGADOM has partnered with Dr Catherine Blanchard to get her day to day observations. Follow her coverage at our website (link in bio) - https://sargadom.com/isa-council-meeting-november-2023/

Photo credit: Photo by IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera
  • The 28th annual session of the International Seabed Authority is taking place from Oct 30-Nov 8 in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The negotiations centre around the development of rules on deep sea mining - a hot button issue with more than 20 countries supporting a moratorium on deep sea mining.

As one of the few international organisations with legal powers over the high seas, negotiations of the International Seabed Authority are important for the SARGADOM project and have the power to directly affect the Thermal Dome, the Sargasso Sea, and all high seas sites.
  • Dolphinfish are one of the fastest growing fish in the world - they can grow up to 6 feet long, but begin life as tiny larvae. They grow incredibly quickly, and they reach sexual maturity after only 3-4 months. Thousands of larvae are released at once, and juvenile dolphinfish live and feed near the surface. In the Sargasso Sea, they use Sargassum as a developmental habitat. 

In the Thermal Dome, common dolphinfish constitute an important fishery, reaching an annual average of 71,000 tons. They feed on a diet of jumbo squid.

Dolphinfish are just one of the ecologically and economically important species found in the focal sites of the SARGADOM project. 

#animalday #worldanimalday 

Image credit - JP Rouja, Jason Arnold
  • The high seas treaty text has been finalised, the treaty opened for signature on Sept 20th, and the treaty has had over 80 signatures so far - but we are still a long way off being able to use the treaty effectively to achieve goals for people and the planet.

The treaty must still be ratified, and the specific modalities of the conference of the parties are yet to be determined. Meetings of the COP will also further elucidate how the provisions of the treaty will be interpreted in practice.

Edinburgh University has organised a two-day high seas treaty symposium to critically evaluate the potential challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

The SARGADOM team will be participating in a panel at the beginning of day 2 of the symposium called ‘Lessons learned from other initiatives in area beyond national jurisdiction’. 

Participants can tune in online for free even if they are not present in person in Edinburgh.

For more information, visit high-seas-treaty.org
  • The #raceforratification is on! The high seas treaty now has 75 signatures, including from the US, Costa Rica, France, UK, the EU and many more. These signatories as well as many others are key supporters for the SARGADOM project.

What are the next steps? Now countries must ratify the treaty to reach that critical threshold of 60 ratifications that will bring the treaty into force. A state signing the treaty signifies its intent to ratify, but it does not compel them to do so. Ratification can be a longer process as states must review their laws to make sure they are compatible with the new treaty.

We hope that the high ambition coalition will keep the pressure on to ratify this important treaty!

Image credits

Minna Epps
Nichola Clark
Kathryn Francis
IUCN ocean team
COP28 begins in Dubai, UAE today - under the UNFCCC, each party has agreed to “avoid dangerous climate change” and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean, and the high seas in particular, can play a huge role in climate change mitigation in the nature based solutions they provide. Keeping the Thermal Dome and the Sargasso Sea healthy means that these areas of the ocean can continue to support complex marine ecosystems that sequester huge amounts of carbon.
COP28 begins in Dubai, UAE today - under the UNFCCC, each party has agreed to “avoid dangerous climate change” and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean, and the high seas in particular, can play a huge role in climate change mitigation in the nature based solutions they provide. Keeping the Thermal Dome and the Sargasso Sea healthy means that these areas of the ocean can continue to support complex marine ecosystems that sequester huge amounts of carbon.
COP28 begins in Dubai, UAE today - under the UNFCCC, each party has agreed to “avoid dangerous climate change” and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean, and the high seas in particular, can play a huge role in climate change mitigation in the nature based solutions they provide. Keeping the Thermal Dome and the Sargasso Sea healthy means that these areas of the ocean can continue to support complex marine ecosystems that sequester huge amounts of carbon.
COP28 begins in Dubai, UAE today - under the UNFCCC, each party has agreed to “avoid dangerous climate change” and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean, and the high seas in particular, can play a huge role in climate change mitigation in the nature based solutions they provide. Keeping the Thermal Dome and the Sargasso Sea healthy means that these areas of the ocean can continue to support complex marine ecosystems that sequester huge amounts of carbon.
COP28 begins in Dubai, UAE today - under the UNFCCC, each party has agreed to “avoid dangerous climate change” and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean, and the high seas in particular, can play a huge role in climate change mitigation in the nature based solutions they provide. Keeping the Thermal Dome and the Sargasso Sea healthy means that these areas of the ocean can continue to support complex marine ecosystems that sequester huge amounts of carbon.
3 jours ago
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The SARGADOM project held its third steering committee meeting two weeks ago in Costa Rica. This meeting reviewed the second annual report and wrapped up the second year of the project. Now that all of our implementing partner reports are in, the socio-ecosystem diagnostic analyses for both sites can be put together. In addition, a gaps analysis will be undertaken for both sites and priorities for collecting data will be identified. This comprehensive scientific understanding of the two sites will allow for the development of governance models. 

Since the start of the project, the BBNJ agreement final text has been adopted, and the project recognised the importance of the work being done reacting to, and informing, the BBNJ agreement. 

The project also has a large communications and capacity building component - the development of a massive open online course and a knowledge base on high seas governance are in the works. 

@fundacionmarviva @sargassoseacmsn @universitebrest @ofbiodiversite
The SARGADOM project held its third steering committee meeting two weeks ago in Costa Rica. This meeting reviewed the second annual report and wrapped up the second year of the project. Now that all of our implementing partner reports are in, the socio-ecosystem diagnostic analyses for both sites can be put together. In addition, a gaps analysis will be undertaken for both sites and priorities for collecting data will be identified. This comprehensive scientific understanding of the two sites will allow for the development of governance models. 

Since the start of the project, the BBNJ agreement final text has been adopted, and the project recognised the importance of the work being done reacting to, and informing, the BBNJ agreement. 

The project also has a large communications and capacity building component - the development of a massive open online course and a knowledge base on high seas governance are in the works. 

@fundacionmarviva @sargassoseacmsn @universitebrest @ofbiodiversite
The SARGADOM project held its third steering committee meeting two weeks ago in Costa Rica. This meeting reviewed the second annual report and wrapped up the second year of the project. Now that all of our implementing partner reports are in, the socio-ecosystem diagnostic analyses for both sites can be put together. In addition, a gaps analysis will be undertaken for both sites and priorities for collecting data will be identified. This comprehensive scientific understanding of the two sites will allow for the development of governance models. Since the start of the project, the BBNJ agreement final text has been adopted, and the project recognised the importance of the work being done reacting to, and informing, the BBNJ agreement. The project also has a large communications and capacity building component - the development of a massive open online course and a knowledge base on high seas governance are in the works. @fundacionmarviva @sargassoseacmsn @universitebrest @ofbiodiversite
3 jours ago
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2/8
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and 
@sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. 

In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
The SARGADOM project had a whirlwind week in Edinburgh at the beginning of October! Representatives of the two focal sites @fundacionmarviva and @sargassoseacmsn of the project spoke as part of the first BBNJ Symposium in Edinburgh, about the lessons they had learned from endeavours to conserve high seas areas without a holistic framework in place. The BBNJ agreement (not in force just yet) will for the first time allow for internationally legally binding marine protected areas to be created on the high seas. In addition, before the BBNJ symposium the Sargasso Sea Commission held meetings on their separate but complementary GEF project, and held a stakeholder consultation meeting about science and conservation for the Sargasso Sea. After the BBNJ symposium, an iAtlantic Assembly was held, focusing on scientific inputs.
3 semaines ago
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The 28th session of the @isba_hq assembly and council (part III) is taking place in Jamaica right now. SARGADOM has partnered with Dr Catherine Blanchard to get her day to day observations. Follow her coverage at our website (link in bio) - https://sargadom.com/isa-council-meeting-november-2023/

Photo credit: Photo by IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera
The 28th session of the @isba_hq assembly and council (part III) is taking place in Jamaica right now. SARGADOM has partnered with Dr Catherine Blanchard to get her day to day observations. Follow her coverage at our website (link in bio) - https://sargadom.com/isa-council-meeting-november-2023/ Photo credit: Photo by IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera
4 semaines ago
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4/8
The 28th annual session of the International Seabed Authority is taking place from Oct 30-Nov 8 in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The negotiations centre around the development of rules on deep sea mining - a hot button issue with more than 20 countries supporting a moratorium on deep sea mining.

As one of the few international organisations with legal powers over the high seas, negotiations of the International Seabed Authority are important for the SARGADOM project and have the power to directly affect the Thermal Dome, the Sargasso Sea, and all high seas sites.
The 28th annual session of the International Seabed Authority is taking place from Oct 30-Nov 8 in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The negotiations centre around the development of rules on deep sea mining - a hot button issue with more than 20 countries supporting a moratorium on deep sea mining.

As one of the few international organisations with legal powers over the high seas, negotiations of the International Seabed Authority are important for the SARGADOM project and have the power to directly affect the Thermal Dome, the Sargasso Sea, and all high seas sites.
The 28th annual session of the International Seabed Authority is taking place from Oct 30-Nov 8 in Kingston, Jamaica. The negotiations centre around the development of rules on deep sea mining - a hot button issue with more than 20 countries supporting a moratorium on deep sea mining. As one of the few international organisations with legal powers over the high seas, negotiations of the International Seabed Authority are important for the SARGADOM project and have the power to directly affect the Thermal Dome, the Sargasso Sea, and all high seas sites.
1 mois ago
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5/8
Dolphinfish are one of the fastest growing fish in the world - they can grow up to 6 feet long, but begin life as tiny larvae. They grow incredibly quickly, and they reach sexual maturity after only 3-4 months. Thousands of larvae are released at once, and juvenile dolphinfish live and feed near the surface. In the Sargasso Sea, they use Sargassum as a developmental habitat. 

In the Thermal Dome, common dolphinfish constitute an important fishery, reaching an annual average of 71,000 tons. They feed on a diet of jumbo squid.

Dolphinfish are just one of the ecologically and economically important species found in the focal sites of the SARGADOM project. 

#animalday #worldanimalday 

Image credit - JP Rouja, Jason Arnold
Dolphinfish are one of the fastest growing fish in the world - they can grow up to 6 feet long, but begin life as tiny larvae. They grow incredibly quickly, and they reach sexual maturity after only 3-4 months. Thousands of larvae are released at once, and juvenile dolphinfish live and feed near the surface. In the Sargasso Sea, they use Sargassum as a developmental habitat. 

In the Thermal Dome, common dolphinfish constitute an important fishery, reaching an annual average of 71,000 tons. They feed on a diet of jumbo squid.

Dolphinfish are just one of the ecologically and economically important species found in the focal sites of the SARGADOM project. 

#animalday #worldanimalday 

Image credit - JP Rouja, Jason Arnold
Dolphinfish are one of the fastest growing fish in the world - they can grow up to 6 feet long, but begin life as tiny larvae. They grow incredibly quickly, and they reach sexual maturity after only 3-4 months. Thousands of larvae are released at once, and juvenile dolphinfish live and feed near the surface. In the Sargasso Sea, they use Sargassum as a developmental habitat. In the Thermal Dome, common dolphinfish constitute an important fishery, reaching an annual average of 71,000 tons. They feed on a diet of jumbo squid. Dolphinfish are just one of the ecologically and economically important species found in the focal sites of the SARGADOM project. #animalday #worldanimalday Image credit - JP Rouja, Jason Arnold
2 mois ago
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6/8
The high seas treaty text has been finalised, the treaty opened for signature on Sept 20th, and the treaty has had over 80 signatures so far - but we are still a long way off being able to use the treaty effectively to achieve goals for people and the planet.

The treaty must still be ratified, and the specific modalities of the conference of the parties are yet to be determined. Meetings of the COP will also further elucidate how the provisions of the treaty will be interpreted in practice.

Edinburgh University has organised a two-day high seas treaty symposium to critically evaluate the potential challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

The SARGADOM team will be participating in a panel at the beginning of day 2 of the symposium called ‘Lessons learned from other initiatives in area beyond national jurisdiction’. 

Participants can tune in online for free even if they are not present in person in Edinburgh.

For more information, visit high-seas-treaty.org
The high seas treaty text has been finalised, the treaty opened for signature on Sept 20th, and the treaty has had over 80 signatures so far - but we are still a long way off being able to use the treaty effectively to achieve goals for people and the planet.

The treaty must still be ratified, and the specific modalities of the conference of the parties are yet to be determined. Meetings of the COP will also further elucidate how the provisions of the treaty will be interpreted in practice.

Edinburgh University has organised a two-day high seas treaty symposium to critically evaluate the potential challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

The SARGADOM team will be participating in a panel at the beginning of day 2 of the symposium called ‘Lessons learned from other initiatives in area beyond national jurisdiction’. 

Participants can tune in online for free even if they are not present in person in Edinburgh.

For more information, visit high-seas-treaty.org
The high seas treaty text has been finalised, the treaty opened for signature on Sept 20th, and the treaty has had over 80 signatures so far - but we are still a long way off being able to use the treaty effectively to achieve goals for people and the planet.

The treaty must still be ratified, and the specific modalities of the conference of the parties are yet to be determined. Meetings of the COP will also further elucidate how the provisions of the treaty will be interpreted in practice.

Edinburgh University has organised a two-day high seas treaty symposium to critically evaluate the potential challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

The SARGADOM team will be participating in a panel at the beginning of day 2 of the symposium called ‘Lessons learned from other initiatives in area beyond national jurisdiction’. 

Participants can tune in online for free even if they are not present in person in Edinburgh.

For more information, visit high-seas-treaty.org
The high seas treaty text has been finalised, the treaty opened for signature on Sept 20th, and the treaty has had over 80 signatures so far - but we are still a long way off being able to use the treaty effectively to achieve goals for people and the planet. The treaty must still be ratified, and the specific modalities of the conference of the parties are yet to be determined. Meetings of the COP will also further elucidate how the provisions of the treaty will be interpreted in practice. Edinburgh University has organised a two-day high seas treaty symposium to critically evaluate the potential challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. The SARGADOM team will be participating in a panel at the beginning of day 2 of the symposium called ‘Lessons learned from other initiatives in area beyond national jurisdiction’. Participants can tune in online for free even if they are not present in person in Edinburgh. For more information, visit high-seas-treaty.org
2 mois ago
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7/8
The #raceforratification is on! The high seas treaty now has 75 signatures, including from the US, Costa Rica, France, UK, the EU and many more. These signatories as well as many others are key supporters for the SARGADOM project.

What are the next steps? Now countries must ratify the treaty to reach that critical threshold of 60 ratifications that will bring the treaty into force. A state signing the treaty signifies its intent to ratify, but it does not compel them to do so. Ratification can be a longer process as states must review their laws to make sure they are compatible with the new treaty.

We hope that the high ambition coalition will keep the pressure on to ratify this important treaty!

Image credits

Minna Epps
Nichola Clark
Kathryn Francis
IUCN ocean team
The #raceforratification is on! The high seas treaty now has 75 signatures, including from the US, Costa Rica, France, UK, the EU and many more. These signatories as well as many others are key supporters for the SARGADOM project.

What are the next steps? Now countries must ratify the treaty to reach that critical threshold of 60 ratifications that will bring the treaty into force. A state signing the treaty signifies its intent to ratify, but it does not compel them to do so. Ratification can be a longer process as states must review their laws to make sure they are compatible with the new treaty.

We hope that the high ambition coalition will keep the pressure on to ratify this important treaty!

Image credits

Minna Epps
Nichola Clark
Kathryn Francis
IUCN ocean team
The #raceforratification is on! The high seas treaty now has 75 signatures, including from the US, Costa Rica, France, UK, the EU and many more. These signatories as well as many others are key supporters for the SARGADOM project.

What are the next steps? Now countries must ratify the treaty to reach that critical threshold of 60 ratifications that will bring the treaty into force. A state signing the treaty signifies its intent to ratify, but it does not compel them to do so. Ratification can be a longer process as states must review their laws to make sure they are compatible with the new treaty.

We hope that the high ambition coalition will keep the pressure on to ratify this important treaty!

Image credits

Minna Epps
Nichola Clark
Kathryn Francis
IUCN ocean team
The #raceforratification is on! The high seas treaty now has 75 signatures, including from the US, Costa Rica, France, UK, the EU and many more. These signatories as well as many others are key supporters for the SARGADOM project.

What are the next steps? Now countries must ratify the treaty to reach that critical threshold of 60 ratifications that will bring the treaty into force. A state signing the treaty signifies its intent to ratify, but it does not compel them to do so. Ratification can be a longer process as states must review their laws to make sure they are compatible with the new treaty.

We hope that the high ambition coalition will keep the pressure on to ratify this important treaty!

Image credits

Minna Epps
Nichola Clark
Kathryn Francis
IUCN ocean team
The #raceforratification is on! The high seas treaty now has 75 signatures, including from the US, Costa Rica, France, UK, the EU and many more. These signatories as well as many others are key supporters for the SARGADOM project. What are the next steps? Now countries must ratify the treaty to reach that critical threshold of 60 ratifications that will bring the treaty into force. A state signing the treaty signifies its intent to ratify, but it does not compel them to do so. Ratification can be a longer process as states must review their laws to make sure they are compatible with the new treaty. We hope that the high ambition coalition will keep the pressure on to ratify this important treaty! Image credits Minna Epps Nichola Clark Kathryn Francis IUCN ocean team
2 mois ago
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8/8
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