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An 'alphabet soup' of high seas rules stands in way of sustainability

Because these ocean areas and deep seabeds lie beyond national jurisdictions, they fall within a patchwork of laws overseen mostly by U.N.-affiliated international organizations.

South Pacific around New Zealand
South Pacific around New Zealand (AN/Bernard Spragg)

Marine experts urged nations to improve how the high seas are governed, saying the global commons needs better conservation and sharing to sustain fishing, shipping, mining and other industry.

A two-day conference hosted by French and international organizations delved into management of the high seas that cover 45% of the planet.

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