The United States is trying to broker an agreement between a host of nations to prohibit unregulated fishing in the international waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Such an agreement would expand on a non-binding agreement that the U.S. entered into with Norway, Denmark, Russia and Canada last year to avoid fishing in the area. The latest proposal would be binding and would include more countries.

Adm. Robert Papp, the U.S. special representative for the Arctic, says a binding, multinational agreement would prevent fishing in the Arctic high seas before scientists can determine what is sustainable. He says the issue is especially important as Arctic ice melts.

The regulation of Arctic Ocean fishing is one of many Arctic issues being discussed this week at a diplomatic meeting in Portland.