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It was a huge moment. After 10 years of talks, officials at the United NationsAn international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world. finally agreed. Now, they have presented the High Seas Treaty, a plan to protect our oceans for millions of years to come.

Humans may not live in the oceans, but we still need them to survive. Half of the oxygenAn element that is vital for life on Earth. It makes up 21% of our atmosphere. on Earth, which we need to breathe, comes from phytoplanktonVery small plants that float near the surface of water. Sea creatures feed on them. , tiny plants that live in the sea.

The oceans also gives us fish to eat, and are home to thousands of different plants and animals. The oceans are so big and so deep that some scientists think we only know about one in every ten of the speciesA set of animals or plants with similar features. Members of the same species can breed with each other. that live there.

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But expertsSomeone who knows a lot about a particular subject. agree that the oceans are in danger. Fishing, mining and pollutionWhen harmful or dangerous things are put into the environment. are harming the creatures in the ocean. Climate changeLong-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change. is also damaging the oceans.

This is why they have come up with the High Seas Treaty. At the moment, two-thirds of the world's oceans do not belong to any country, meaning anyone can fish or mine there. The new treatyA formal agreement, usually between two or more countries. will make 30% of this space a protected area.

Yes! It will protect a third of the world's open oceans, and help to stop mining, fishing and pollution. It will help lots of animals to survive.

No! The treaty does not go far enough. Mining and fishing should be banned. And the biggest problem is still climate change.