This publication deals in two distinct parts with the status of our natural resources on the high-seas (approximately 50 per cent of the Earth's surface) which contain open-access common resources. Part 1 identifies and reviews a certain number of relatively discrete or localised geographic features/habitats/biological communities that have particular scientific, societal or economic interest. The report assesses the existing or potential threats to them, and proceeds to qualify their potential value as High-Seas Marine Protected Areas. Part 2 explores some of the legal, political and institutional issues relevant to the possible establishment of Marine Protected Areas.