Scientists sound the alarm: High Seas Treaty ignores plastics

A new article in the journal Science warns that the High Seas Treaty does not clearly address plastics. The treaty is a major international agreement to protect the ocean. But it does not explicitly mention plastic pollution as a problem to solve. The authors say this is a serious gap. Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to ocean life. It harms fish, birds, and other animals. It also breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics, which are very hard to remove. These particles enter the food chain and can end up in the food people eat. The High Seas Treaty covers waters beyond any country's control. These areas make up most of the ocean. The treaty aims to protect marine life and manage human activities in these waters. However, the authors argue that without clear rules on plastics, the treaty cannot fully succeed. The article calls on governments to make plastics an explicit part of the treaty. This means adding plastic pollution to the list of issues the treaty must address. The authors say this step is urgent and necessary. They also note that plastic production is rising worldwide. More plastic means more waste entering the ocean. Without action, the problem will only get worse. The authors do not propose specific solutions in this article. Instead, they ask policymakers to treat plastics as a priority. They believe the treaty is a rare chance to act on a global scale. Scientists and environmental groups have long pushed for stronger ocean protections. This new warning adds pressure on governments to act before it is too late. The message is simple: if plastics are not named, they may not be properly controlled.