The UN’s adoption of the High Seas Treaty is a significant step towards fulfilling the global 30 x 30 initiative. This underscores the protection and sustainable use of marine ecosystems outside national boundaries. But considering that the high seas are miles away from land, how will we guarantee that the treaty's contents are followed, and who will ensure that the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are protected? Karl’s innovation, the High Seas Watcher Initiative, aims to create an organization of seafarers and fisherfolks that promotes marine biodiversity and conservation through technology and environmental education. 

Seafarers and fisherfolks can use the mobile-based app developed under the initiative to map marine species they encounter through their voyages. An MPA map will also be interfaced in the app so that users can identify if they are located near or within an MPA. One of the goals of the 30 x 30 initiative is to extend MPAs further away from land. The High Seas Watcher Initiative will surely provide a cost-effective, wide-scale, and efficient way to promote marine biodiversity and conservation across the ocean. The app will also be integrated with a reporting function to allow users to report suspected environmental violations that may affect the sea, like ship pollution, illegal fishing, etc. A web-based platform will also be developed as a tool for authorities to receive alerts about suspected violations. This creates a safe and anonymous space for users to report violations without fearing repercussions. The High Seas Watcher Initiative will also provide environmental education to seafarers and fisherfolks to create a more profound awareness about the impacts of the damage to the marine ecosystem.