Vulnerable species are being increasingly threatened by the lack of international cooperation, according to new research.
20 scientists from the United States tracked the migration patterns of 14 species as they passed through the Pacific's countries and territories over several years.
In a typical year, the critically endangered leatherback turtle will pass through 32 countries and territories as it migrates across the Pacific Ocean.
Critically endangered leatherback sea turtles are back in the bay. Photo: Sunlive / Nathan Pettigrew
In some countries, they will be protected and there will be conservation measures to help them, but then they'll cross a border or enter the high seas, where there's little protection.
The research, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, said drastic declines in marine populations could be attributed to countries failing to cooperate across borders and in the high seas.
It suggested that the leatherback turtles - and other threatened species from tuna, to albatrosses to whales - would have a better chance at suviving if there were better agreements between just a few countries.