Amongst growing international uncertainty, April brought real momentum for ocean protection on the global stage.
Communications INC has been supporting partners by drafting, pitching and placing stories with global media around key events including the High Seas PrepCom, the International Seabed Authority Council meeting and deepsea mining debate and the 10th Our Ocean conference.
As the countdown to UNOC begins, here are some of the stories we helped bring to global audiences.
The Race for Ratification & High Seas Protection
In April 2025, more than 30 international journalists joined a briefing hosted by the High Seas Alliance ahead of the launch of the UN Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) session in New York to f start shaping the institutions to implement the historic High Seas Treaty. The countries, except the United States, were meeting in New York to lay the groundwork for the Treaty’s entry into force when it reaches 60 ratifications and to prepare for the first Conference of the Parties (COP) for the High Seas Treaty.
Covering a wide range of issues, such as marine genetic resources, marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement could be a cornerstone for safeguarding global ocean biodiversity and securing sustainable use for generations to come.
📣 Media Impact
Rebecca Hubbard, Director of the High Seas Alliance, told Reuters that “Countries are pulling out all the stops to fast-track ratification in several places,” a message that resonated in international coverage, including India Today or MSN.
To AFP, she emphasized that the treaty is “one of our best opportunities to deliver action to protect the ocean,” with coverage spanning Le Figaro, Japan Today, International Business Times, MSN.
Meanwhile, Spain, among the first EU countries to ratify the treaty, called for a massive global ratification push, a message echoed by outlets such as La Vanguardia, El Debate or La Voz de Galicia.
Deep Sea Mining and the Trump Administration
At the same time, a sudden push for deep-sea mining sparked global alarm. In response to a new executive order from the Trump administration directing NOAA to fast-track permits for deep-sea mining in U.S. and international waters, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) issued a strong public warning. The move invokes a decades-old domestic law (DSHMRA), despite the U.S. never having ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a foundational framework for ocean governance.
By bypassing international frameworks and the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the order risks undermining global cooperation, legal stability, and environmental protections.
“The ramifications could resonate beyond deep-sea mining, affecting agreements on fishing, shipping, navigation and marine research”, warned DSCC experts.
Sian Owen, Director of the DSCC was quoted: “Deep-sea mining poses significant environmental, climate, and economic risks, all in exchange for highly uncertain benefits. It’s not a good deal; it’s a risky gamble that would leave investors stranded on the wrong side of history”.
📣 Media Impact
DSCC’s call on governments worldwide to support a moratorium on deep-sea mining was reported by:
AP News, NYT, Newsweek, Euronews, ABC, Radio Canada
Media in French including: France 24, Le Monde, La Presse Canadienne, Le Pays de France
Media in Spanish included: INFOBAE, EFEverde, La Vanguardia, Noticias Ambientales, El Diario, Lado Mex
EFEverde and La Vanguardia, also referenced a recent report highlighting the fragile state of deep-sea ecosystems and the risks posed by mining.
DSCC legal expert Duncan Currie also contributed to a high-profile interview with Dialogue Earth, reinforcing the case for urgent and science-based ocean stewardship.
Our Ocean, Our Action
Culminating this unprecedented ocean month, Communications INC supported the 10th Our Ocean conference in Busan, Republic of Korea, which has become a leading platform for governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate marine conservation, ocean-based climate solutions, and a sustainable blue economy.
Announcement of 277 new commitments from 60 countries, amounting to $9.1 billion in funding for sustainable ocean action. This will add to the $160 billion mobilized over the past decade.
📣 Media Impact
Argentina newspaper La Nacion picked up an oped from Ted Danson and we supported Global Fishing Watch with the placement of an oped in El Comercio from Jesús Eloy Barrientos, the vice minister for Peru.
We supported a 3 day media trip to South Korea working with international media including The Guardian, Mongabay, the Inter Press Service (IPS), Tempo and Jarind and helped to secure international coverage including articles on Deep Sea Mining and the outcome of the conference from Mongabay, an article in Tempo and a range of stories from IPS covering issues such as the Indigenous Ocean Management Systems and the Haenyeo women divers.
A special focus was placed on the 10 year report and the EU’s pledge of over €300 million in ocean conservation efforts widely reported in PubAffairsBruxelles, EU Reporter, Agence Europe, and EFE.
Looking Ahead: Keeping the Momentum Strong for UNOC
This past month has shown what’s possible when global cooperation, strong policy, and strategic communication come together for the ocean. Proud to be part of this collective effort. Now let’s keep the pressure on for bold, binding, and science-driven ocean action at UNOC3!