Why a landmark treaty to stop ocean biopiracy could stymie research

Why a landmark treaty to stop ocean biopiracy could stymie research

High-seas treaty could stymie some research

Some researchers are fretting that an upcoming international treaty could harm the development of novel drugs. The treaty will regulate for the first time the exploitation of the high seas — those beyond countries’ 200-mile-wide exclusive economic zones. But anti-biopiracy provisions currently under discussion could have unintended consequences, reducing access. Research on marine organisms has led to the discovery of several drugs, including for AIDS and cancer.

Nature | 10 min read