High Seas Treaty Enters Into Force, Protecting Nearly Half the Planet's Surface

In a historic milestone for global ocean conservation, the United Nations High Seas Treaty has officially come into force, establishing the first comprehensive legal framework dedicated to protecting biodiversity in international waters. The treaty covers the high seas — areas beyond national borders that represent almost half of the planet's surface.

Until now, these vast ocean expanses had no dedicated legal protection for their marine life. While individual nations could regulate waters within their exclusive economic zones, the high seas existed in a governance gap that left marine ecosystems vulnerable to overfishing, deep-sea mining, pollution, and the effects of climate change.

“The treaty covers the high seas — areas beyond national borders that represent almost half of the planet's surface.”

The treaty creates a mechanism for establishing marine protected areas on the high seas, requires environmental impact assessments for activities that could harm marine biodiversity, and establishes rules for the fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources. It represents the culmination of nearly two decades of negotiations.

Marine biologists have hailed the treaty as a game-changer for ocean conservation. The high seas are home to countless species, from deep-sea corals and sponge gardens to migratory whales, sharks, and sea turtles that traverse entire ocean basins. Without protection, many of these species face growing threats from human activities.

The treaty's entry into force means that nations can now begin the practical work of designating protected areas and implementing conservation measures. Environmental organizations have called for rapid action to protect at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, and the treaty provides the legal foundation to make that goal achievable.