By Matt
McGrathEnvironment correspondent
The first
significant steps towards legally protecting the high seas are to take place at
the UN in New York.
These
waters, defined as the open ocean far from coastlines, are threatened by
deep-sea mining, over-fishing and the patenting of marine genetic resources.
Over the
next two years, government representatives aim to hammer out a binding
agreement to protect them against over-exploitation.
But
several nations, including the US, are lukewarm towards the proposals.
Experts
believe that the oceans of the world are vital for a number of reasons.
Scientists say they capture around 90% of the extra heat and about 26% of the
excess carbon dioxide created by humans through the burning of fossil fuels and
other activities.
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