Ocean Treaty Ignores New Pollutants, Scientists Warn
Part of composite article Scientists Warn Nature Loss and Ocean Pollution Are Spiraling Out of Control — And Current Efforts Aren't Even Close View full article →
The High Seas Treaty does not address contaminants of emerging concern, researchers report in Science. These include pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and industrial chemicals that reach the open ocean.
The treaty, a United Nations agreement to protect marine life beyond national waters, focuses on older, well-known pollutants. It leaves newer contaminants largely unregulated.
Scientists say these substances can harm marine ecosystems and human health. They urge policymakers to prioritize them under the treaty.
The warning appears in Science, Volume 394, Issue 6821, October 2026.