UN Adopts Historic Treaty , to Protect Biodiversity , in the High Seas.br On June 19, the United Nations adopted a new treaty aimed at protecting marine life in the oceans.br 'TIME' reports that delegates from 193 member nations marked the unopposed passage of the historic treaty with a sustained standing ovation.br The announcement was made by Singapore's ambassador on ocean issues, Rena Lee, who presided over negotiations regarding the treaty.br The announcement was made by Singapore's ambassador on ocean issues, Rena Lee, who presided over negotiations regarding the treaty.br 'TIME' reports that only about 1 of br the high seas are currently protected.br The treaty aims at specifically protecting br biodiversity in waters outside of national borders, br otherwise referred to as the high seas.br The treaty aims at specifically protecting br biodiversity in waters outside of national borders, br otherwise referred to as the high seas.br The treaty to protect the high seas, which br cover roughly half of the earth's surface, br has been debated for over 20 years.br Once ratified by 60 member nations, a new U.N. br body will be created to establish protected areas br and oversee the conservation of ocean life.br Once ratified by 60 member nations, a new U.N. br body will be created to establish protected areas br and oversee the conservation of ocean life.br 'TIME' reports that the treaty will also establish a br framework of rules for conducting assessments of br the environmental impact of commercial activities.br 'TIME' reports that the treaty will also establish a br framework of rules for conducting assessments of br the environmental impact of commercial activities.br According to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, br the world's oceans are facing threats on br multiple fronts, as rising sea temperatures alter , "marine ecosystems and the species living there.".br 'TIME' reports that Geterres added that br biodiversity in the world's oceans are, "under attack from overfishing, br over-exploitation and ocean acidification.