High Seas Treaty to Enter Into Force in January 2026 After 60th Ratification

In a milestone for global marine conservation, the High Seas Treaty — formally the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) — will enter into force on January 17, 2026, following its 60th ratification by Morocco.

The treaty, decades in the making, is the first legally binding international framework to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in international waters — areas beyond any country’s borders, covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans and nearly half of Earth’s surface.

What the High Seas Treaty Does

• Establishes Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters

• Requires mandatory environmental impact assessments for activities such as fishing, shipping, and deep-sea mining

• Ensures fairer sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources

While the pact is legally binding, challenges remain, as major powers including the US, China, Russia, and Japan have not yet ratified. Full implementation will demand financial, regulatory, and enforcement commitments, including new monitoring systems.

Significance and the Road Ahead

Currently, less than 1% of the high seas are protected. The treaty is critical to achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30x30 goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the accord as a “lifeline for the ocean and humanity” but acknowledged the “hard work” ahead on rules, financing, and compliance before the first Conference of Parties.

Conservationists see it as a turning point in efforts to reverse overfishing, regulate mining, and bolster marine resilience amid growing climate pressures.