Elizabeth Mendenhall, an Associate Professor in Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, shares her insights on the controversial BBNJ marine conservation agreement, often mislabelled as the 'high seas treaty.' She highlights its ambitious scope yet warns about its potential pitfalls. Mendenhall discusses the rich biodiversity of the oceans and the urgent need for effective governance to protect these ecosystems from climate change. She also addresses the challenges of aligning national interests with ecological requirements, emphasizing the role of academics in shaping environmental policy.