An international agreement designed to protect marine life in the high seas has officially come into effect. The High Seas Treaty marks a significant milestone as it is the first legal framework to safeguard waters beyond national jurisdictions, which encompass nearly half of the Earth’s oceans. This treaty aims to establish environmental protections and regulate emerging ocean industries in these international waters.
After more than two decades of discussions, formal negotiations for the treaty began in 2017 under the auspices of the United Nations. The final text allows countries to designate marine protected areas and mandates specific guidelines for new ocean ventures. This development coincides with the United States currently reviewing an application from a private company seeking to explore the deep sea floor for valuable minerals, although seabed mining typically falls under a different treaty.
With Morocco becoming the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, a 120-day countdown commenced for the treaty to become binding international law. Currently, 83 countries have ratified the treaty, though the United States has yet to join. Countries that do ratify are expected to collaborate and adhere to the treaty’s provisions, yet effective enforcement of international laws remains a challenge.
Significance and Future Implications
Ambassador Rena Lee of Singapore, who played a pivotal role in the final negotiations, expressed optimism regarding the treaty’s potential impact. She described the law as “a rare opportunity to make a positive difference in the high seas and deep seabed.” This initiative aligns with a broader biodiversity goal established by a separate UN agreement in 2022, which aims to protect 30 percent of the planet’s land and oceans by the year 2030.
The high seas represent approximately two-thirds of the world’s ocean area, yet less than 10 percent of these waters are currently protected. As noted by Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, the treaty signifies a transformative moment for marine conservation. “This is a game changer,” she stated, emphasizing that while the treaty’s enactment is a significant achievement, the real work of protecting these vast areas is just beginning.
The implementation of the High Seas Treaty could reshape how nations interact with international waters and foster greater cooperation in preserving marine biodiversity. As countries gear up to create protected zones and establish regulations for ocean industries, the hope is that the high seas will no longer be regarded as a maritime “wild west.”
This landmark treaty has the potential to set a precedent for future international agreements aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development. While challenges remain in enforcement and compliance, the establishment of this treaty signifies a critical step towards safeguarding our oceans for generations to come.
