Another fantastic result from the continuing COP26 talks - as 69 nations have signed an agreement that aims to protect 30% of the global ocean in Marine Protected Areas and Other area-based Effective Measures in what's being called the 30by30 target. The initiative, which is being lead by the UK, already has signatures from an eclectic range of countries, including Costa Rica, Finland, Gabon, Portugal and Kenya - to name a few. This will ensure that 30% of global waters will be protected zones by 2030, with Britain (and its overseas territories) aiming to have 50% of their waters falling within this protected zone. The aim is to protect not only the species that call these waters home, but to ensure vulnerable ecosystems, such as mangrove gardens and seagrass meadows are protected against the adverse effects of climate change. Theresa Villiers, UK Environment Secretary stated that the "world’s ocean is a shared resource, sustaining lives and livelihoods and supporting 80% of our blue planet’s biodiversity. Only by working together can we protect and restore our marine environment for future generations to come.” And the UK government has set £7bn aside to extend the 'blue belt' - over four million square kilometres of marine environment - across its overseas territories. This actionable pledge is exactly what UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was hoping for from world governments, and we hope that it's a far cry from a ‘fancy speech' - and will instead pave the way for more nations around the world to look to their marine life and take honest, clear conservational action. You can read more about the story here: https://www.oceanographicmagazine.com/news/global-ocean-alliance-uk/