High Seas Treaty ratified, will come into force next year

The High Seas Treaty, developed to protect marine biodiversity beyond national borders, has now been ratified by nearly 70 countries – formalising its implementation towards the end of 2026.

The global adoption of the treaty was triggered by Morocco earlier this month, but since then, six more countries have ratified the agreement, bringing the total number to 69 – including the European Union. 

Ratification has been particularly fast for such a global instrument: in June at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, 56 states had ratified or started the ratification process. This pace reflects the urgency to protect the high seas at a time of accelerating climate change and increasing interest in deep sea mining.

“The High Seas Treaty is one of the most important conservation achievements of our time. For the first time, countries have committed to safeguarding nearly half of our planet — waters that sustain extraordinary biodiversity and play a vital role in the fight against climate change. This milestone shows what’s possible when governments, civil society, and philanthropy work together with urgency and determination,” said Antha Williams, who leads the Environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies.

What does the High Seas Treaty mean for ocean protection?

The final text of the High Seas Treaty – also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement – was adopted in June 2023. Its main element is the development of a system to enable marine protected areas beyond national ocean borders.

This was seen as a necessary step to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework goal to protect and restore 30% of the world’s seas and oceans. 

While the Treaty itself doesn’t mention mining, it sets the rule for environmental impact assessment for resource extraction in the high seas, as well as other marine activities such as offshore wind. It also creates standards for the exploration and exploitation of marine genetic resources, and supports capacity building and technology transfer to low-income countries, so they are able to get involved in oceans projects. 

“The High Seas Treaty’s entry into force is a landmark milestone in the Race for Ratification. As we turn the corner in international ocean governance and speed towards the Treaty’s first Conference of Parties, governments must keep their foot on the accelerator. The bold leadership we’ve witnessed in this room of leaders today must continue tomorrow, inspiring more countries from all regions to ratify and ensuring the Treaty becomes a truly global engine for effective ocean protection”, said Rebecca Hubbard, Director of the High Seas Alliance, during a celebration of the 60th ratification during the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23.