Greenpeace & Partners Highlight Sargasso Sea

Greenpeace UK and Bermudian stakeholders held a May workshop to advance plans for a high seas sanctuary in the Sargasso Sea under the UN Global Ocean Treaty.

A spokesperson said, “Greenpeace UK, in collaboration with Bermudian stakeholders, hosted their second workshop in May to reflect on the past year’s progress and plan next steps in the campaign to support the creation of a high seas marine sanctuary in the Sargasso Sea under the United Nations Global Ocean Treaty.

“The workshop gathered participants from, civil society, science, and industry backgrounds to review accomplishments and identify new opportunities for collaboration. Discussions centered on how Bermuda and the UK could work together to play a leading role in safeguarding this critical marine ecosystem.”

Workshop Participant Jamie Walsh, FAB Secretary stated, “The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda supports the collaborative effort to promote sustainability within the Sargasso Sea and the greater Atlantic community. For the Sargasso Sea Sanctuary, or any MPA, to be successful, Fishers must be included as partners in Stewardship.”

The spokesperson said, “Senior Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace UK, Chris Thorne outlined the teams efforts over the past year, including political outreach, media engagement, and public mobilization in the UK to advocate for treaty ratification and high seas protections.

“Bermudian Greenpeace Consultant, Noelle Young shared her continued work advocating for Bermuda’s environmental protection on global platforms. Highlights included her participation in the United Nations 29th Conference of the Parties [COP29] and her keynote address at the Greenpeace Parliamentary event in London. There, she engaged directly with UK officials at the House of Commons, emphasizing the UK’s responsibility toward its Overseas Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Territories. She underscored the shared heritage between the two countries, recalling Bermuda’s historic moniker as the “Crown Jewel of the Atlantic.” Noelle also authored the foreword to Greenpeace’s recent report Sargasso Sea: A Sea of Opportunity.

“The group presented upcoming campaign strategies, including parliamentary engagement, strategic communications, and building broader public and political support for the campaign.”

Dr. Robbie Smith, local Marine Biologist and Sargasso Sea Commissioner said, “Greenpeace’s visit to Bermuda in 2024 resulted in a compelling report that clearly articulates the value of putting effective conservation measures in place in the Sargasso Sea and showcased the great diversity of life there and the challenges the ocean around us faces today. I look forward to learning of their plans for future advocacy and how this can support the decade or more of important research and preparatory work the Sargasso Sea Commission has already done, as we prepare for the steps to follow the ratification of the BBNJ Treaty.”

The spokesperson said, “Breakout sessions invited participants to explore strategies for encouraging both the Government of Bermuda and the UK Government to support the establishment of a high seas marine protected area in the international waters surrounding Bermuda.

“Conversations underscored the need for ongoing, open dialogue between both governments, NGOs, and local communities. Key priorities identified included strengthening local political commitment, increasing public awareness, and broadening stakeholder engagement. Participants agreed that Bermuda’s leadership in this initiative should be not only visible but also formally acknowledged and respected by the international community.

A spokesperson for Greenpeace UK stated, “The Sargasso Sea supports a plethora of iconic wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins and sharks. The floating mats of golden sargassum seaweed provide a nursery for baby sea turtles and a haven for seabirds and endangered eels on their epic migrations. But sadly it is under threat from industrial fishing, climate change and the prospect of deep sea mining. The Sargasso Sea must be prioritised for ocean protection to safeguard its unique biodiversity. We need governments to sign the Global Ocean Treaty into law without delay, and to champion the Sargasso Sea as one of the first in a new generation of high seas sanctuaries under the Treaty. The UK government should have been leading on this but they’re missing the boat. There’s still time for them to get onboard, ratify the Treaty during UN Ocean Conference and publicly commit to developing a high seas sanctuary proposal for the Sargasso Sea.

“As the movement gains momentum Greenpeace will continue advocating for the ratification of the UN Global Ocean Treaty and amplifying local voices calling for the protection of the Sargasso Sea around Bermuda to be designated as a protected area under its framework. The goal is to ensure the Sargasso Sea’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations and to set a precedent for high seas protection worldwide.

“An open letter to the UK Foreign Secretary, advocating for the protection of the Sargasso Sea is available online to sign in both English and Portugese.

“For more information or to get involved check out the Campaign Webpage at noelleyoung.info or contact young.noelle@icloud.com.”

The full version of Greenpeace’s Sargasso Sanctuary Report follows below [PDF here]:

#BermudaMarine #SargassoSea

Category: All, Environment