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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 on the High Seas Treaty, a new plan to protect our oceans.

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 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.

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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.

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.