Nations Ratify High Seas Treaty, Setting Stage for Greater Ocean Protection

Today, the High Seas Treaty received its 60^th ratification, officially kickstarting the 120-day countdown until it enters into force. Covering almost half of the Earth’s surface, the high seas are shared by everyone but have lacked the governance needed to protect its biodiversity. Until now, there was no legal mechanism to establish such protections.

The High Seas Treaty, also known as the BBNJ Agreement, will address this gap by establishing a governing body and legal process to create marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas and by setting standards for environmental impact assessments of high seas activities. It also ensures that discoveries made in these waters — such as new medicines derived from deep-sea species — benefit everyone, not just a few nations or corporations. And it provides vital support for developing countries (e.g., technology sharing, financial assistance, and knowledge sharing) so they can fully participate in and benefit from high seas conservation.

To date, 143 countries have signed the treaty, but only 60 have completed the ratification process. As with other international agreements, the treaty is only binding for those countries that have formally ratified it.

In response, Oceana’s Chief Scientist Dr. Katie Matthews issued the following statement:

“For too long, the high seas have been a Wild West — lacking comprehensive oversight. The ratification of the High Seas Treaty will help bring order. For the first time, we have the legal foundation to safeguard marine diversity in waters that belong to everyone and no one at the same time.

“What matters now is turning paper into protection. Nations must move quickly from ratification to real-world implementation. If world leaders are serious about protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, that requires ambitious action on the high seas.

“Countries that have signed but not yet ratified need to step up. Chile has shown leadership in this space, being one of the first nations to ratify the treaty and has plans to submit a proposal for the first high seas marine protected area under the treaty.

“The health of our oceans, and the billions of people who rely on them for food, livelihoods, and climate stability, depends on what comes next.”

Both Belgium and Chile have submitted bids to host the BBNJ Secretariat. Chile included in its bid a concrete proposal to establish the first high seas MPA under the treaty: The Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges. These areas have been extensively studied by science, with recent expeditions uncovering 170 new species, and are considered a conservation priority. Oceana and other organizations support the creation of this first high seas MPA.

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Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.