Why India is still hesitant to commit to the critical High Seas Treaty

On January 17, 2026, the landmark High Seas Treaty officially entered into force after receiving the required number of ratifications. Read more here.

Project Aims to Provide Unprecedented Analysis of Mesophotic Coral Reefs

Scientists are to carry out an unprecedented assessment of the response and resilience of mesophotic coral ecosystems—coral reef communities found at depths of between 30 m and 150 m in tropical regions—to the temperature shifts predicted under future climate change. Read more here.

Saudi Arabia to host first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026, Princess Reema says

Saudi Arabia will host the world’s first Global Coral Reef Summit later this year, Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, announced at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026. Read more here.

Commonwealth launches practical guide to unlock blue bond finance for ocean protection

The Commonwealth Secretariat launched The Commonwealth Guide to Blue Bond Issuance at its inaugural environmental resilience day, held at Marlborough House. It is a practical, user-focused resource to help governments unlock innovative finance to protect the ocean while delivering benefits for people and nature. Read more here.

Canada is claiming credit for tackling ghost gear, despite eliminating funding

Canada continues to tout itself as a “world leader” in tackling ghost gear’s threats to marine life and coastal communities even though funding for the program dried up in 2024. Read more here.