Three years ago at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, Canada, nearly 200 countries agreed on a target to protect 30 per cent of the world’s national and international waters by 2030. Currently, only about one per cent of the high seas are protected, leaving marine life vulnerable to overexploitation.   

In 2023, over 80 countries signed the High Seas Treaty during the UN General Assembly in New York to safeguard 30 per cent of these waters, but it can only take effect once over 60 nations ratify it – making it legally binding.   

Morocco’s recent ratification has now pushed the total past that threshold, which means the treaty will officially come into force from January 2026.  

For decades, the high seas have faced huge threats, from overfishing and pollution to climate change warming the oceans. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), nearly 10 per cent of marine species are at risk of extinction.

Once the treaty is in force, countries will propose areas to protect, which will then be voted on by the treaty members. While each country does its own environmental impact assessments and decisions, monitoring bodies will raise concerns if needed.  The treaty reflects global best practice in ocean management, including principles like:  

• Polluters paying the cost of managing damage 

• Sharing benefits fairly, including with Indigenous peoples 

• Taking a precautionary approach when impacts are uncertain 

• Using an ecosystem-based, integrated approach 

• Building resilience to climate change 

• Respecting Indigenous knowledge and rights 

 “Covering more than two thirds of the ocean, the Agreement sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, share benefits more fairly, create protected areas, and advance science and capacity-building,” said General Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary in a statement.  

The oceans, vital for life and the largest ecosystem, produce 80 per cent of our oxygen, regulate climate, support billions and drive trillions in the economy – and this treaty offers hope for healthier oceans ahead.  

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