An international agreement aimed at protecting marine life in international waters has officially come into effect. Known as the High Seas Treaty, this landmark legislation allows for the establishment of protected zones in areas that cover nearly half of the Earth’s surface but lie outside any country’s jurisdiction. The treaty is the culmination of over two decades of discussions within the United Nations, with formal negotiations commencing in 2017.
The treaty enables participating countries to designate marine protected areas in international waters, which have long been considered a largely unregulated “wild west.” Currently, only less than 10 percent of these high seas are protected. The agreement comes at a critical time as the United States reviews a company’s application for deep-sea mining operations, although such activities are generally governed by separate treaties.
In September 2023, Morocco became the 60th nation to ratify the treaty, triggering a 120-day countdown for it to become binding international law. As of now, a total of 83 countries have ratified the High Seas Treaty, yet the United States has not joined this initiative. Countries that commit to the treaty are expected to cooperate and adhere to its provisions, although enforcement mechanisms for international laws remain limited.
Rena Lee, Singapore’s ambassador who led the final negotiations, described the treaty’s enactment as “a rare opportunity to make a positive difference in the high seas and deep seabed.” The motivation behind this treaty aligns with a broader biodiversity goal established by a separate United Nations agreement in 2022, which aims to protect 30 percent of the Earth’s land and oceans by the year 2030.
The high seas, comprising two-thirds of the world’s ocean area, have historically faced insufficient monitoring. The High Seas Treaty marks a significant change in governance over these crucial environments. As Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, stated, “This is a game changer. And in many ways, the work is just beginning.”
With the treaty now in force, the focus shifts to how countries will implement its terms and the potential for creating sustainable practices to safeguard marine biodiversity. The enactment of this treaty represents a pivotal moment for ocean conservation, highlighting the urgent need for collective action in addressing the challenges facing our oceans.
