Protecting and sustaining the world’s oceans are once again in the spotlight at the United Nations in New York this week (10-14 July). Moves to develop a legally binding international treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction – known as ‘BBNJ’ – are continuing with the 4th meeting of a preparatory committee to work on the draft elements of a future text. And this week also sees a high-level political forum (the HLPF) which will review, in depth, progress being made towards a number of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14 – “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”. The IMO Secretariat is presenting an overview of the Organization’s work in these key areas to both meetings.