UN poised to move ahead with landmark treaty to protect high seas

Waters outside national boundaries are currently unregulated, devastated by overfishing and pollution. 140 countries back the motion to establish a treaty

The world's oceans are set for a long overdue boost in the coming days as the United Nations votes for the first time on a planned treaty to protect and regulate the high seas.

The waters outside national maritime boundaries - which cover half of the planet's surface - are currently a free-for-all that has led to devastating overfishing and pollution.