A number of constituents have contacted me about the UN’s Global Ocean Treaty. I appreciate your passion for protecting our oceans and the need for a global regulatory framework to help the Government with its commitment to deliver the "30 by 30" target, protecting 30% of the land and oceans by 2030. I have worked closely with the Marine Conservation Society on local issues in the past and recognise the importance of conserving and protecting our seas, the ocean and marine life.

The UK is a global leader in this area, working with counterparts in both the UK and overseas to improve the health of our Oceans. The UK was among the first signatories to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement at the UN in September 2023. In addition, in March 2023, UN Member States agreed the High Seas Treaty, which aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030. Work has begun on the legislation and other measures needed to translate the detailed and complex provisions of the agreement into UK law before ratification when parliamentary time allows. The UK also announced nearly £30 million to support developing countries to deliver the "30 by 30" target.

 At the United Nations Ocean Conference, the  government has pledged funding to support  marine protection, ocean research and activities to combat illegal fishing. These investments will bolster initiatives aimed at conserving our oceans and ensuring their long-term sustainability by allocating resources to these critical areas.

I am aware that my parliamentary colleague Kevin Foster MP has tabled a Private Member’s Bill which aims to enable the government to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty swiftly. I will follow the progress of this Bill closely.