The High Seas Treaty

Around two-thirds of the world’s ocean, which includes the High Seas and deep seabed, is beyond the jurisdiction of any one country and remains largely unregulated and unprotected, making it highly vulnerable to overexploitation and industrial activities.

These waters are the planet’s life support system. They feed millions of people, shelter an extraordinary diversity of creatures from great whales to tiny plankton and, acting as vast carbon sinks, they help regulate our climate. What happens here ultimately shapes the future of life everywhere, making their protection vital for people and planet.

Without clear safeguards, the international goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 will be out of reach. Yet, despite this huge importance, until recently, the High Seas were effectively protected by no one.

Thankfully, after decades of hard work, it’s a situation that is beginning to shift, with a globally recognised High Seas Treaty now agreed and moving towards implementation.

The journey began in 2011, when visionary countries and civil society groups first set out to close the gap in protecting areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction.

After nearly two decades of advocacy, including five years of negotiations, governments reached agreement in March 2023 on a groundbreaking Treaty to protect the critical biodiversity found in international waters and help achieve the global goal of safeguarding 30% of the ocean by 2030.

The High Seas Treaty became the first-ever global legal framework for Marine Protected Areas on the High Seas and sets out clear measures to prevent overfishing, conserve ocean life and promote fair participation for developing countries.

Behind the scenes, the High Seas Alliance, a coalition of more than 70 civil society groups, worked tirelessly alongside governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities worldwide and scientists to mobilise international support.

The campaign sparked extraordinary political momentum, securing more than 60 ratifications within just two years, driven by pioneering countries such as Palau. As of now, over 145 countries have signed the Treaty, and more than 70, including the European Union, have ratified it – the formal process by which states agree to be legally bound by its clauses.

Following the 60th ratification in September 2025, the Treaty will officially enter into force in January 2026, marking the beginning of a new era in ocean protection.

The work to secure ratification of the High Seas Treaty is global cooperation at its best. It is an unprecedented example of how we can protect the blue heart of our planet.