Key facts
- The High Seas Treaty, also known as the BBNJ Agreement, entered into force on January 17, 2026.
- It is the first binding international agreement focused on protecting biodiversity in waters beyond national jurisdiction, covering two-thirds of the global ocean.
- The treaty establishes legal processes for creating marine protected areas on the high seas.
- It mandates environmental impact assessments for activities in international waters.
- The agreement promotes equitable access to marine genetic resources for developing nations.
- The first Conference of the Parties is set for January 2027 to establish governing bodies and procedures.
The High Seas Treaty, formally the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), has entered into force on January 17, 2026. This landmark international agreement aims to protect biodiversity in the vast expanses of the ocean beyond national jurisdictions, which constitute two-thirds of the global ocean and nearly half of the Earth's surface.
These high seas, beginning beyond 200 nautical miles from shore, have historically suffered from fragmented governance, with various bodies overseeing shipping or fisheries but lacking a primary mandate for conservation. This has left them vulnerable to threats such as overfishing, pollution, deep-sea mining, and climate change.
Negotiations for the treaty spanned over two decades and involved more than 190 countries, with France playing a significant role in building political momentum. The treaty's rapid ratification, reaching the required 60 countries within two years, reflects strong political support. As of the interview, 89 countries had ratified it.
The treaty provides practical tools for ocean governance, including establishing clear legal processes for creating marine protected areas and mandating environmental impact assessments. A key, less-discussed aspect is 'ocean justice,' ensuring developing countries have fairer access to the benefits derived from marine genetic resources found in deep-sea organisms, which can lead to pharmaceutical breakthroughs. The agreement also commits to building the capacity of developing nations for marine research and treaty implementation.
Enforcement is acknowledged as a challenge, but advances in technology, such as satellite monitoring, are expected to aid in tracking activities in remote waters. The treaty is considered particularly vital for the Mediterranean Sea, a biodiversity hotspot with fragmented governance.
To prevent the treaty from becoming 'paper parks,' it allows countries to vote on marine protection proposals rather than requiring unanimous consent, preventing single nations from blocking progress. The High Seas Alliance, a coalition of over 80 environmental organizations, was recognized with an Earthshot Prize in 2025 for its role in campaigning for the treaty.
The immediate next step is the first Conference of the Parties in January 2027, which will establish the treaty's governing bodies and operational procedures, shaping its practical implementation and ambition.