UN high seas treaty to take effect as 60 countries ratify agreement

NEW YORK (dpa): A UN international agreement to protect the high seas is to take effect after at least 60 states ratified it before Saturday's deadline.

"This is a milestone in ending irresponsible overfishing and advancing global marine conservation,” Dr Sandra Altherr of Pro Wildlife said in a statement published by the High Seas Alliance, a network of non-governmental organisations working to protect marine life.