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Marine Conservationist Kristina Gjerde Passes Away at 68

1/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kristina Gjerde, a marine conservationist, died December 26 in Boston at age 68 from pancreatic cancer.
She helped negotiate the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement to protect high seas biodiversity, which goes into effect this weekend.
The treaty aims to establish marine sanctuaries and conserve 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the treaty in September, initiating a 120-day countdown to enforcement.

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Story summary

Kristina Gjerde, a marine conservationist, died December 26 in Boston at age 68 from pancreatic cancer.
She helped negotiate the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement to protect high seas biodiversity, which goes into effect this weekend.
The treaty aims to establish marine sanctuaries and conserve 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the treaty in September, initiating a 120-day countdown to enforcement.