High Seas Treaty Becomes Law, Paving Way for Ocean Protection

An international agreement aimed at protecting marine life, known as the High Seas Treaty, has officially come into effect. This landmark treaty marks the first time that international waters, which fall outside any nation’s jurisdiction and encompass nearly half of Earth’s surface, can be designated for environmental protection. The treaty’s formal discussions began over two decades ago, with negotiations commencing in earnest in 2017.

The final text of the treaty facilitates the establishment of marine protected areas in international waters and introduces regulations for emerging ocean industries. This development coincides with the United States‘ ongoing review of a company’s application to explore the deep sea floor for valuable minerals, although seabed mining is generally governed by a separate treaty. The authority associated with that treaty has spent years deliberating on regulations for deep sea mining but has yet to approve any commercial operations.

Morocco’s ratification in September marked a significant milestone, as it became the 60th country to endorse the High Seas Treaty. This action triggered a 120-day countdown for the treaty to become recognized as international law. Currently, a total of 83 countries have ratified the treaty, while the United States has not yet joined this coalition.

Countries that have ratified the High Seas Treaty have committed to cooperate in upholding its provisions, 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’s creation aligns with a broader biodiversity aim set by a separate United Nations agreement in 2022, which pledges to protect 30 percent of Earth’s land and oceans by the year 2030. The high seas, often referred to as the maritime “wild west,” account for two-thirds of all oceanic areas, yet less than 10 percent of these waters are currently under protection.

“This marks a significant turning point,” stated Rebecca Hubbard, the director of the High Seas Alliance. “And in many ways, the work is just beginning.” The implementation of the High Seas Treaty signals a potential shift in how the world approaches marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.