World leaders at France summit mull ways to protect oceans

World leaders met on France's Atlantic coast Friday to discuss protecting the planet's oceans from threats such as overfishing and plastic pollution, and finding fairer ways to manage the seas.

The One Ocean Summit comes as European authorities are investigating a mass fish dump in the Bay of Biscay that environmental activists call an example of abuses by huge trawlers that disrupt undersea ecosystems.

Oceans cover more than 70% of the planet's surface. Scientists estimate that 50% to 80% of all life on earth is found under the ocean surface and at least 50% of the oxygen on the planet comes from the oceans, the majority being produced by plankton.

French President Emmanuel Macron initiated the three-day summit in the port city of Brest with the support of the United Nations.

"Today, we are going to make commitments," Macron said in his opening speech. "I am convinced they are going to help strengthen helpful actions."