Experts have called for international cooperation to protect the marine environment as they noted that a widely-celebrated agreement signed in June 2023 to conserve marine biological diversity has not yet come into force.

Nishimoto Kentaro, International Law professor at Tohoku University, was referring to the High Seas Treaty. Although it was signed by 86 countries, including the Philippines, it is not yet implemented as there is still only one country that has already signed it.

A total of 60 countries are needed for ratification.

"This treaty is very important not only in the context of biodiversity because when it enters into force, that will add another layer to the rule of law that applies to the oceans. There is a continuing relevance of the South China Sea arbitral award in the context of this treaty," Nishimoto said.

Dindo Manhit, president of international think tank Stratbase Institute, said issues persist in the West Philippine Sea despite laws to protect maritime territories and their resources.

He said the Philippines understands the value of countering the loss and degradation of marine biodiversity and resources after the country's military reported in 2023 the massive illegal coral harvesting in Rozul Reef and the dumping of dead corals at Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea.

"The Stratbase ADR Institute considers these as acts of aggression and coercion," he said, stressing that international cooperation is expected to protect the marine environment beyond their country’s jurisdiction.

"The depths of the ocean call on the international community to work together in protecting shared marine resources. Let us equip ourselves with the knowledge and share technical expertise to protect the global common," he added.

Manhit said there are still challenges in sustaining the states' commitment to the High Seas Treaty.

 "Our united stance in caring for our waters reflects our deep interconnectedness, transcending national borders. Let us remain committed to the conservation and sustainability of marine resources. Together, let us protect our interconnected waters beyond national jurisdiction," he said.

In June 2023, the United Nations adopted the High Seas Treaty. With the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the "guidepost, the agreement recognizes the need to address biological diversity loss and degradation of ocean ecosystems in a coherent and cooperative manner.

It also underscores the need for a comprehensive global regime, under UNCLOS, to better address conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond jurisdiction.