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10 Key Things to Know About the Historic UN High Seas Treaty Coming Into Force in 2026
1. Nearly 20 Years in the Making
The UN High Seas Treaty, officially called the BBNJ Agreement, has been under negotiation for two decades. Adopted in 2023, it marks the first global treaty focused on conserving marine life beyond any country’s borders.
2. First Global Legal Protection for High Seas Biodiversity
This landmark treaty is the world’s first legally binding agreement dedicated to protecting biodiversity in international waters, known as the high seas, which cover over two-thirds of the ocean.
3. Will Take Effect in January 2026
After reaching the critical milestone of 60 ratifications, including countries like Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, and Morocco, the treaty will become binding international law starting January 17, 2026.
4. Goal to Protect 30% of the High Seas by 2030
Currently, only about 1% of the high seas is protected. The treaty sets an ambitious target to designate 30% of these waters as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the next five years, safeguarding vital marine ecosystems.
5. Covers Ocean Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
The high seas begin where countries’ exclusive economic zones end, spanning vast ocean areas outside any nation’s control. These regions are critically important for global climate regulation and biodiversity.
6. Creates New Rules for Environmental Impact Assessments
Economic activities such as deep-sea mining will now require rigorous environmental reviews under the treaty, ensuring that harmful impacts on underwater ecosystems are minimized and monitored transparently.
7. Promotes Equity Through Technology Transfer and Benefit Sharing
The treaty includes mechanisms to support developing countries by facilitating access to marine technology, scientific knowledge, and a fair share of benefits arising from marine genetic resources, fostering global cooperation.
8. Builds on the UN Law of the Sea Framework
The BBNJ Agreement expands the existing United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), often called the ocean’s “constitution,” to strengthen protection of marine biodiversity beyond national waters.
9. Challenges Remain with Key Countries Yet to Ratify
Some major fishing and maritime nations, including China (signed but not ratified), Japan, and Taiwan (yet to sign), have not fully joined the treaty. Their participation is crucial for effective global implementation.
10. From Agreement to Action: Implementation is the Next Step
The fledgling treaty’s first Conference of the Parties (COP) will convene within a year of enforcement to establish protected zones and governance measures. Experts expect the first MPAs on the high seas could be designated by 2028 or 2029.
This treaty is a gamechanger for ocean conservation, representing a powerful example of multilateral cooperation to protect the world’s largest ecosystem. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The ocean’s health is humanity’s health.” With the High Seas Treaty coming into force in January 2026, global marine biodiversity may finally receive the coordinated protection it urgently needs.