WWF: Historic UN High Seas Treaty is a turning point for ocean protection and restoration

WWF celebrates the latest ratifications of the UN High Seas Treaty, marking a milestone moment in global ocean governance. With 60 countries ratifying the treaty, it has now reached the threshold required for it to enter into force, ushering in much-needed conservation for oceans. 

Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International, said: “This is a monumental achievement for ocean conservation. The High Seas Treaty will be a positive catalyst for collaboration across international waters and agreements and is a turning point for two-thirds of the world’s ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction.”  

The high seas play an important role in the healthy functioning of the whole marine system, but only roughly 1% of this huge swath of the planet is protected. The High Seas Treaty, also often referred to as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or ’BBNJ’, will finally provide a legally binding mechanism to enable the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs), an essential step toward achieving the global target of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, as agreed under the Global Biodiversity Framework. 

Jessica Battle, WWF Senior Global Ocean Governance and Policy Expert, said: “The High Seas Treaty is an opportunity to significantly improve the status quo and to create a framework for enhanced cooperation for the good of the ocean, its biodiversity and the ecosystem services that benefit people everywhere. The high seas are owned by no one but are everyone’s responsibility, so the treaty’s success and wider ocean protections will hinge upon transparent dialogue and effective collaboration among all ocean actors - from fisheries, to shipping, to mining.” 

The treaty, which was almost two decades in the making, was adopted in June 2023 and opened for signatures in September 2023. It will become operational 120 days after the 60th ratification, meaning it will enter into force on 17 January 2026.  

The high seas support crucial fisheries, provide habitats for hundreds of thousands of species and mitigate climate change impacts, with 23% of human-related carbon emissions being absorbed by the ocean over the last 10 years. But these waters are being exploited by heavily subsidized, industrial distant water fisheries to the detriment of species and the health of the ocean.   

ENDS 

WWF advocated for the inclusion of key provisions in the treaty, including: 

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): A clear process for establishing and managing MPAs in areas beyond national jurisdiction. 
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Mandatory assessments for activities with potential ecological impacts, including fisheries and resource extraction. 
• Scientific, Financial, and Technological Support: Commitments from developed countries to support implementation through capacity-building and technology transfer. 
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A robust compliance system to address breaches and ensure accountability. 

The High Seas Treaty is necessary to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework, which commits countries to protect and conserve at least 30% of the ocean, and ensure 30% of degraded areas are under restoration, by 2030. 

While protecting 30% of the ocean is critical, WWF emphasizes that the remaining 70% must also be sustainably managed. Achieving a nature-positive future requires transforming the drivers of biodiversity loss, particularly in seafood production, resource extraction, and maritime transport, while addressing the impacts of climate change.