Treaty to save oceans becomes law

September 27, 2025

A groundbreaking international treaty aimed at safeguarding the world’s oceans and reversing decades of damage to marine ecosystems is officially set to become law.

High seas treaty ratification reaches global milestone

On 19 September 2025, Morocco became the 60th nation to ratify the High Seas Treaty, triggering its official enforcement from January 2026. This landmark agreement, over 20 years in the making, establishes a legal framework to protect biodiversity in international waters and expand marine protected areas (MPAs).

A turning point for global ocean conservation

Environmental advocates are calling the treaty a “monumental achievement”, highlighting it as proof that nations can unite for the planet’s survival.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized its importance, stating:

 “Covering more than two-thirds of the ocean, the agreement sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity.”

The ocean crisis is urgent: overfishing, plastic and shipping pollution, and climate-driven ocean warming have devastated ecosystems. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), nearly 10% of marine species face extinction.

Protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030

In 2020, world leaders pledged to protect 30% of all national and international waters by 2030. Yet progress has been slow—currently, only 1% of the high seas are protected, leaving marine life vulnerable to exploitation.

The High Seas Treaty addresses this gap by requiring participating nations to designate large swaths of the ocean as Marine Protected Areas, ensuring stronger safeguards for endangered ecosystems.

Why ratification matters

For the treaty to take effect, at least 60 countries needed to ratify it, a process that typically takes more than five years due to parliamentary approvals. Remarkably, this milestone was reached in record time, according to Elizabeth Wilson, senior director for environmental policy at The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Nations such as the UK have already begun parliamentary ratification procedures, underscoring global commitment.

Global reactions to the treaty

• Kirsten Schuijt, Director-General of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), called the treaty “a turning point for two-thirds of the world’s ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction.”

• Mads Christensen, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, described it as “a landmark moment” and urged nations to end the era of ocean exploitation.

What happens next?

Once in force, treaty members will propose marine areas for protection. These proposals will be reviewed and voted on by signatory nations. While countries will conduct their own environmental impact assessments, oversight bodies will allow others to raise concerns, ensuring accountability.

Why the ocean matter

The ocean is more than a vast body of water—it is Earth’s largest ecosystem, providing:

• Up to 80% of the oxygen humans breathe.
• An estimated $2.5 trillion annually to the global economy.
• A critical buffer against climate change, absorbing heat and carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

The High Seas Treaty marks a historic leap toward reversing ocean decline and protecting marine life for future generations. With two-thirds of the planet’s ocean now under a global conservation framework, the world takes a united stand for the health of our blue planet.