Global Ocean Treaty Gains Ground at UN Summit \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The High Seas Treaty has now been ratified by 49 nations, just 11 short of the 60 needed for enforcement. The milestone comes amid the UN Ocean Conference in France. Advocates see this as a key step toward protecting biodiversity in international waters.
Quick Looks
- 49 countries have ratified the High Seas Treaty; 11 more are needed.
- The treaty protects marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- It introduces legal processes for creating protected ocean zones.
- Aims to support the global “30×30” target for conservation.
- Enforcement begins 120 days after the 60th ratification.
- First Conference of the Parties (COP1) must occur within a year of enactment.
- Only ratifying countries by COP1 can vote on governance decisions.
- Environmental advocates urge rapid global adoption for full effectiveness.
Deep Look
In a significant leap toward global ocean protection, 18 additional nations ratified the High Seas Treaty on Monday, increasing the total number of ratifying countries to 49. This figure places the treaty just 11 ratifications away from the 60 required for it to enter into force. The announcement, made during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, represents a critical turning point in international marine policy and governance.
If enacted, the High Seas Treaty — officially named the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) — would become the first legally binding international instrument focused specifically on preserving biodiversity in international waters. These waters, commonly referred to as the “high seas,” cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans and approximately half of the Earth’s surface. They lie beyond any single nation’s jurisdiction, making them some of the least protected and most exploited ecosystems on the planet.
A New Era for Ocean Governance
Historically, the high seas have been governed by a patchwork of weak, sectoral agreements or not governed at all, leaving vast ocean regions vulnerable to destructive human activities. Overfishing, unregulated shipping, climate change-induced disruptions, pollution, and looming threats like deep-sea mining have all intensified pressure on fragile marine ecosystems in these areas.
The absence of a unified legal framework meant that no country or international body had the authority to designate or enforce marine protected areas (MPAs) in these waters. As a result, marine biodiversity in international zones has often been left to the mercy of corporate exploitation and inconsistent state oversight.
That’s now set to change.
“The high seas have long operated as a lawless frontier — but this treaty is our opportunity to bring them under stewardship,” said Megan Randles, Greenpeace’s global political lead for oceans. “With this agreement, the world has a chance to place real, enforceable protections on ecosystems that are essential for planetary health.”
How the High Seas Treaty Works
The High Seas Treaty introduces a robust legal architecture designed to protect and sustainably manage marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Its framework includes:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Countries will now be able to propose and collaboratively establish MPAs in the high seas. These areas can restrict or prohibit harmful activities such as industrial fishing, deep-sea mining, and certain forms of marine engineering.
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Before undertaking potentially destructive activities in international waters, countries must conduct thorough environmental assessments, which will be reviewed through an international, science-based process.
- Technology Sharing & Capacity Building: The treaty includes mechanisms to ensure developing nations have access to marine science, technology, and training so they can actively participate in ocean stewardship.
- Equitable Access to Marine Genetic Resources: The treaty also touches on the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of marine genetic materials — which are increasingly valuable for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research.
Importantly, all decisions made under the treaty will occur at multilateral forums known as Conferences of the Parties (COPs). This structure prevents unilateral action and reinforces collective responsibility among nations.
Tied to the Global “30×30” Pledge
The High Seas Treaty is an essential component in achieving the “30×30” biodiversity target, an international pledge made under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and sea areas by the year 2030. Currently, only about 1.2% of the high seas are under any form of protection. Without a comprehensive tool like the High Seas Treaty, the 30×30 goal would be out of reach.
“The treaty doesn’t just support ocean conservation—it underpins our entire global strategy to prevent biodiversity collapse,” noted Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. “Marine ecosystems regulate our climate, support fish stocks, and sustain life. If we don’t protect the high seas, we risk triggering irreversible loss.”
What Happens After 60 Ratifications?
Once the treaty reaches 60 ratifications, a 120-day countdown begins before it formally enters into force. During this interim period, groundwork will be laid to establish the institutions needed to implement and oversee the treaty’s provisions.
Following this activation, the first Conference of the Parties (COP1) must convene within one year. At COP1, countries will:
- Finalize operational rules for governance and enforcement
- Establish scientific and oversight committees
- Decide on funding mechanisms and support structures
- Begin accepting proposals for the creation of marine protected areas
- Agree on compliance, monitoring, and dispute resolution processes
Only countries that have ratified the treaty before COP1 will be allowed to vote on these foundational issues. That’s why environmental organizations are urging nations to move swiftly, not only to reach 60 ratifications but to ensure global representation and inclusiveness during the crucial early stages of the treaty’s implementation.
Why Timing Is Everything
The momentum seen during the U.N. Ocean Conference in Nice is being hailed as a hopeful sign that 2025 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in global ocean conservation. Climate scientists and ocean advocates have long warned that without urgent intervention, marine biodiversity loss could accelerate past a tipping point.
In addition to environmental gains, implementing the treaty would also contribute to sustainable development, climate resilience, and food security for millions of people worldwide who rely on ocean ecosystems.
“There’s more at stake here than just fish or coral reefs,” said Hubbard. “This is about planetary stability. The ocean is our climate regulator, our food source, our oxygen provider. Protecting it is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.”
From 60 to Global
While reaching 60 ratifications will be a major milestone, many experts argue that universal or near-universal adoption is critical to the treaty’s long-term success. The effectiveness of MPAs and oversight mechanisms will hinge on broad participation and compliance.
“We need to go from 60 to global,” said Hubbard. “Every country that uses or benefits from the high seas has a responsibility to be part of its protection.”
The Road Ahead
As of Monday evening, 49 countries — including all European Union members as one bloc — have ratified the treaty. With only 11 remaining, campaigners are confident that the magic number could be reached within months, if not weeks.
Should that happen, 2025 could be the year humanity finally establishes meaningful protections for one of its last global commons — the high seas.
In an era defined by ecological crisis, geopolitical tensions, and growing environmental inequality, the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty may stand as a rare beacon of multilateral cooperation and ecological foresight.
“We’re on the brink of making high seas history,” Hubbard said. “Let’s not miss this chance.”
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