Belgium sets ocean agenda as global report highlights alarming trends ahead of UNOC3

As the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) begins in Nice, Belgium has outlined its positions on marine science, sustainable ocean policy, and high seas biodiversity protection. The conference opens against the backdrop of a new global report warning of accelerating ocean decline.

The first edition of the Starfish Barometer, launched on Sunday and published in State of the Planet, provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of ocean health. The report highlights rising sea levels, record marine heat, biodiversity loss, and increasing human pressures such as plastic pollution and overfishing. 

Sea level has risen 23 cm since 1901, and 1,677 marine species are now considered threatened with extinction, including a third of all sharks. Ocean heat reached its highest levels in over six decades in 2024, and nearly 38% of fish stocks are overexploited.

Developed by a team of international experts, the Starfish Barometer is expected to inform negotiations at UNOC3. The report offers policymakers an annual, science-based overview of ocean conditions and the pressures driving them.

In the lead-up to the conference, Belgium has set out several ocean-related priorities. The country has expressed support for open, collaborative marine science to inform global decision-making. The country hosts 144 marine research groups, with over 1,000 scientists publishing annually. 75% of them are involved in international collaboration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the importance of evidence-based, inclusive, and effective ocean governance.

Belgium has also outlined its focus on clean ocean-based energy and shipping, including investment in offshore wind, development of ports as energy hubs, and a target to double offshore wind capacity by 2030. It is also exploring zero-emission shipping technologies.

Calling for greater integration across climate, biodiversity, and ocean agendas, Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the importance of international cooperation to address these interconnected challenges.

On high seas biodiversity, Belgium has reaffirmed its support for protecting marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. It co-founded the Blue Leaders alliance, backs the 30x30 global target, intends to ratify the High Seas Biodiversity Agreement (BBNJ) at UNOC3, and has proposed Brussels as host for the future BBNJ Secretariat.

These are no binding commitments. However, the statements reflect Belgium’s positions going into the conference amid growing urgency for coordinated international action to protect a rapidly changing ocean.

^{Bull sharks in the water off Fiji © COLIN SIMPENDORFER / SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY/JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY / AFP}