The BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Treaty is critical for protecting and enhancing seagrass. Most of the world’s seagrass is within national jurisdictions; however, in some locations, such as the Saya De Malha Bank in the Indian Ocean, seagrass is located beyond any national jurisdiction. This means it’s not legally
The BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Treaty is critical for protecting and enhancing seagrass. Most of the world’s seagrass is within national jurisdictions; however, in some locations, such as the Saya De Malha Bank in the Indian Ocean, seagrass is located beyond any national jurisdiction. This means it’s not legally protected. Also referred to as the High Seas Treaty, the BBNJ Treaty may play a role in helping to protect such seagrass. Indirect Protection through Ocean Health The BBNJ Treaty focuses on the high seas, which are areas beyond the jurisdiction of any single nation. However, the health of the high seas is intrinsically linked to the health of coastal ecosystems. Threats like plastics, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices originate or have significant impacts on the high seas, but their effects cascade into coastal areas where seagrass thrives. By addressing these broader ocean health issues, the BBNJ Treaty indirectly benefits seagrass meadows. Seagrass at Saya De Malha Bank in the Indian Ocean. Credit: © Tommy Trenchard / Greenpeace Addressing Climate Change Impacts Seagrass meadows are incredibly efficient at absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. However, they are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The BBNJ Treaty recognises the need to address the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. By promoting healthier oceans overall, it supports the resilience of seagrass in the face of warming waters and ocean acidification. Cross-Sectoral Coordination and Management The BBNJ Treaty aims to establish a more coherent and cooperative approach to ocean governance. It seeks to fill regulatory and institutional gaps in the existing international law framework. This improved coordination among different sectors (e.g., shipping, fishing, deep-sea mining) and regions can lead to more effective management of human activities that might otherwise negatively impact marine environments, including those that influence seagrass health. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) The BBNJ Treaty establishes rules and thresholds for conducting environmental impact assessments for activities planned on the high seas. While these activities might not directly occur in seagrass beds, their potential impacts on ocean currents, water quality, and marine species that interact with seagrass (e.g., migratory species that use both high seas and coastal habitats) can be significant. By requiring EIAs, the treaty promotes a more cautious approach to new activities, reducing potential harm. Capacity Building and Technology Transfer The treaty includes provisions for capacity building and the transfer of marine technology, particularly to developing countries. This can empower nations, especially those with extensive coastlines and seagrass resources, to better monitor, research, and manage their marine environments, including seagrass ecosystems. Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) While seagrass meadows are typically within national waters, the BBNJ Treaty provides a legal framework for establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas. Healthier ocean ecosystems can contribute to the resilience of coastal ecosystems, such as seagrass meadows, by supporting migratory species, maintaining ecological balance, and reducing overall pressures on the marine environment. In essence, we need the BBNJ Treaty’s because the focus on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction creates a stronger, more integrated, and more resilient global ocean. This, in turn, provides a more favourable environment for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of critical coastal ecosystems like seagrass. So, if you support the conservation of seagrass, you need to support the BBNJ treaty by lobbying your national politicians to agree to the treaty and to then ratify it. So far, 137 countries have signed but only 50 have ratified, to become law, it requires 60 countries. Check yours here: Progress Map – High Seas Alliance Treaty Ratification
