URGING THE STATE TO ADOPT THE AGREEMENT UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA ON THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF AREAS BEYOND NATIONAL JURISDICTION AND SUPPORT LEGISLATIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND POLICY MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT AT THE STATE AND COUNTY LEVELS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Rhoads

SR 127 urges the state to adopt a UN agreement for conserving marine biodiversity beyond national waters, promoting sustainable practices for ecosystems and industries.

Report and Resolution Adopted. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte).

#adoption #agreementundertheunitednationsconventiononthelawoftheseaontheconservationandsustainableuseofmarinebiologicaldiversityofareasbeyondnationaljurisdiction

Summary of SR 127

Bill Number: SR 127
Title: Urging the State to Adopt the Agreement Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and Support Legislative, Administrative, and Policy Measures to Implement the Agreement at the State and County Levels.
Status: Report and Resolution Adopted
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Subject: Adoption of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SR 127 is to urge the state to adopt the agreement established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). This resolution emphasizes the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity, which are critical for environmental health and sustainability.

Key Provisions

Adoption of the Agreement: The resolution calls for the state to officially adopt the UNCLOS agreement focused on marine biological diversity.

Support for Implementation: It encourages the development of legislative, administrative, and policy measures at both state and county levels to effectively implement the agreement.

Focus on Sustainability: The resolution highlights the need for sustainable practices in the management of marine resources, ensuring that biodiversity is preserved for future generations.

Affected Parties

State and County Governments: The resolution directly impacts state and local governments, requiring them to consider and implement measures that align with the agreement.

Marine Ecosystems: The resolution aims to benefit marine ecosystems and biodiversity, which are crucial for ecological balance and the health of ocean environments.

Fisheries and Marine Industries: Stakeholders in fisheries and marine industries may be affected by new regulations and practices aimed at sustainable use of marine resources.

Legislative Process and Timeline

March 07, 2025: SR 127 was offered.

March 12, 2025: The resolution was referred to the committees on TCA (Transportation and Culture Affairs) and AEN (Agriculture and Environment).

March 28, 2025: A public hearing was scheduled for March 31, 2025.

March 31, 2025: The committees on TCA and AEN recommended the measure be passed unamended, with unanimous support from committee members.

April 03, 2025: The report and resolution were adopted, with two senators voting against it.

Conclusion

SR 127 represents a significant step towards enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. By urging the state to adopt the UNCLOS agreement and implement supportive measures, the resolution aims to foster a collaborative approach to marine resource management that prioritizes ecological sustainability and biodiversity conservation.