During the World Leaders Summit at COP26, the United States today announced its decision to join the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (“Panel”), a group of 15 nations committed to protecting at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030 and developing a “sustainable ocean plan” for all waters under national jurisdiction within 5 years of joining the group. Along with the United States, other member nations are Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Palau, Portugal.
In making the announcement, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said that ““I have long followed the work of the Ocean Panel, and I am in complete agreement that creating a sustainable ocean economy, informed by the latest science, is essential to secure a prosperous future for our communities and for our planet.”
The State Dept. called COP26 “a timely moment to join the Ocean Panel,” stating that ocean health “is under threat” and also “a source of climate solutions.” In line with the group’s commitment, the State Dept. also said that the United States “will develop a national plan within five years to sustainably manage our ocean area under national jurisdiction,” stating that Sustainable Ocean Plans “provide public- and private-sector decision-makers with a roadmap for healthy ocean ecosystems that advance thriving economies and societies.”
