Nice, France (AP) – On Monday, 18 nations Ratified the high seas treaty, bringing the total to 49. However, only 11 of the 60 required nations have signed on for the Maritime Agreement to take effect. The increasing support seen during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice is generating momentum for what could become a transformative shift in global ocean governance.
Here’s an overview of the treaty, its significance, and what lies ahead.
What is the high seas treaty?
The mountains are reflected in the waters of Port Cross National Park, France ahead of the United Nations Marine Conference on Saturday, June 7, 2025 (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Formally known as the agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, the High Seas Treaty is the first legal framework aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in international waters. These waters, which fall outside the scope of any one nation’s jurisdiction, comprise nearly two-thirds of the ocean and almost half of the Earth’s surface.
Until now, there has been no comprehensive legal framework for establishing marine reserves or enforcing conservation efforts on the high seas.
Why is it essential?
Despite their isolation, high seas are increasingly threatened by overfishing, climate change, and the risk of deep-sea mining. Environmental advocates caution that without adequate protections, the marine ecosystems in these international waters are at risk of irreversible damage.
“It’s been a wild west scenario in the high seas thus far,” noted Megan Randles, global political lead for Greenpeace’s oceans. “We now have a chance to genuinely enforce protections.”
The treaty is also crucial for achieving the global “30×30” initiative, which pledges to preserve 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030.
How does the treaty work?
On Saturday, June 7th, 2025, painted comer swam in a protected area in Port Cross National Park, France, ahead of the United Nations Marine Conference (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
The treaty establishes procedures for states to create marine reserves on the high seas, including regulations around harmful activities like deep-sea mining and resource management. It also outlines a framework for sharing technology, funding mechanisms, and scientific collaboration.
Significantly, decisions based on the treaty are made through multilateral gatherings of member nations (COPs), rather than by individual countries acting independently.
What happens at 60 ratifications?
Once 60 countries have ratified the treaty, a countdown of 120 days will commence before it officially takes effect. This will enable the designation of protected areas on the high seas and activate the monitoring mechanisms.
As of Monday evening, 49 countries and the EU had ratified the treaty, which means just 11 more are needed to trigger the countdown.
What follows ratification?
The first meeting of the parties (COP1) must occur within a year of the treaty’s activation. This meeting will set the foundation for effective implementation, including decisions regarding the establishment of key institutions to review marine protection initiatives.
Environmental groups are advocating for the swift achievement of the necessary 60 ratifications. The greater the number of countries that adopt the treaty, the more robust and representative the implementation will be. There is a time constraint; only nations ratified by COP1 will have a say in critical decisions that shape the treaty’s application.
“While reaching 60 ratifications is a tremendous milestone, it is equally critical for countries worldwide to engage actively in its implementation for the treaty to be effective,” stated Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. “The next step is to expand from 60 to a global commitment.”
The recent surge in support indicates that 2025 could be a pivotal year for high seas protection.
“We are on the verge of making significant strides in high seas governance,” Hubbard remarked.
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Source: apnews.com