Global marine conservation agreement set to commence operation worldwide
The United Nations High Seas Treaty, aimed at safeguarding biodiverse areas in international waters, has reached a significant milestone with 60 countries ratifying it. As of mid-September 2025, the treaty, which requires at least 60 ratifications to enter into force, is expected to come into effect on January 17, 2026.
The treaty establishes binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, covering areas that make up around 60% of the oceans. Until now, these vast regions had no legal safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to threats such as pollution, overfishing, and growing challenges from deep-sea mining.
The decision-making bodies for the treaty include regional fisheries bodies and the International Seabed Authority. This collaborative approach will see the decision-making body working with a patchwork of regional and global organizations already overseeing different aspects of the oceans.
Marine ecosystems in the high seas play a crucial role in our planet's health. They are sources of oxygen and limit global warming by absorbing a significant portion of carbon dioxide emitted through human activities. The oceans, teeming with plant and animal life, are responsible for creating half of the globe's oxygen supply and are vital to combatting climate change.
Developing countries, which often lack resources for research expeditions, have fought for benefit-sharing rights in the treaty. The treaty establishes principles for sharing the benefits of marine genetic resources collected in international waters, ensuring that all nations can reap the rewards of ocean conservation.
While the treaty has been signed by 143 countries, some nations, including the United States and Russia, have yet to ratify it. The High Seas Alliance coalition is urging small island states, developing countries, and even landlocked countries to ratify the treaty. Germany, which has signed but not ratified the treaty, requires new legislation for ratification.
Meanwhile, some countries are preparing to launch exploration in waters within their own exclusive economic zones for deep-sea mining. This practice targets previously untouched seabeds for commodities like nickel, cobalt, and copper. No licenses have been issued yet for commercial mining in high seas waters, but the potential threat looms large.
The treaty's ratification aims to move towards global or universal ratification for the treaty to be as effective as possible. As the world grapples with the urgent need to protect our oceans, the UN High Seas Treaty offers a promising step towards a more sustainable future for our planet's most vital and fragile ecosystems.
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