Global Ocean Treaty Becomes Law as 79 Nations Ratify Historic High Seas Agreement

In a landmark victory for ocean conservation, the Global Ocean Treaty officially entered into force in 2025 after 79 nations ratified the historic agreement — far surpassing the 60 ratifications needed. The treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, establishes a legal framework to protect marine life in international waters, which cover nearly half the planet's surface.

The agreement enables the creation of marine protected areas on the high seas for the first time, requiring environmental impact assessments for activities like deep-sea mining and industrial fishing. Conservation groups have called it the most significant ocean protection agreement in decades, comparable to the Paris Agreement for climate.

“The treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, establishes a legal framework to protect marine life in international waters, which cover nearly half the planet's surface.”

Small island developing states and coastal nations were instrumental in pushing for the treaty, which also includes provisions for equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources. Scientists estimate that protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030 — a key target of the treaty — could help reverse decades of biodiversity loss and strengthen ocean resilience to climate change.