An international agreement aimed at protecting marine life has officially come into effect. The High Seas Treaty marks a significant milestone in maritime governance, enabling the establishment of protected areas in international waters, which cover nearly half of the Earth’s surface and fall outside any individual country’s jurisdiction.
Negotiations for the treaty spanned over two decades, with formal discussions beginning in 2017. The treaty allows nations to create environmentally protected zones and introduces requirements for new ocean industries, reflecting a collective commitment to safeguard marine biodiversity.
As the treaty takes effect, the United States is currently reviewing a company’s application to explore the deep sea floor for valuable minerals. While seabed mining is generally governed by a separate treaty, the International Seabed Authority has spent years deliberating regulations for such activities, yet has not approved any commercial ventures to date.
Morocco’s ratification in September made it the 60th country to support the High Seas Treaty, triggering a 120-day countdown for its implementation as international law. To date, 83 nations have ratified the treaty, although the United States has yet to do so. Countries that have ratified the treaty commit to collaborate and uphold its principles, although enforcement mechanisms for international laws remain limited.
Rena Lee, Singapore’s ambassador who led the final negotiations, described the treaty’s implementation as “a rare opportunity to make a positive difference in the high seas and deep seabed.” The treaty aligns with a broader biodiversity goal set by another United Nations agreement in 2022, which aims to protect 30 percent of Earth’s land and oceans by 2030.
The high seas, often referred to as a maritime “wild west,” account for two-thirds of the ocean area, yet less than 10 percent is currently protected. The treaty’s passage represents a pivotal step toward addressing this disparity.
“This is a significant change,” stated Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. “And in many ways, the work is just beginning.” As nations begin to implement the provisions of this landmark treaty, the focus will shift towards achieving the ambitious conservation goals it sets forth.
