You may remember in our July enews we reported on the UN Ocean Conference, held in Nice, France. In that story, we highlighted the situation of the high seas – the vast maritime area that lies beyond the jurisdiction of any state. Sometimes described as the ‘Wild West’ where anything goes, this area covers half of the planet and nearly two-thirds of our seas. Slowly but surely, that era of lawlessness is giving way to hope, as real protection for this vulnerable part of the ocean becomes possible.
In June 2023, governments adopted the High Seas Treaty – a landmark agreement designed to protect the ocean, including addressing the threats of deep-sea mining and geoengineering while safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
The Treaty opened for State signatures in September 2023. By June 2025, perhaps encouraged by the Ocean Conference, the number of signatories had risen from 30 to 51. By the end of August, 55 had signed. Then 57. The milestone of 60 ratifications loomed: at 60, a 120-day countdown is triggered, after which the High Seas Treaty will enter into force. Slowly the numbers crept up…and on 19 September, two years after opening, the 60th State ratified the treaty. Numbers continue to climb – the current count is 75 signatories. On 17 January 2026, the High Seas Treaty will come into effect as a legally binding international agreement.
The ocean is vital – producing oxygen, storing heat and carbon, providing food and livelihoods, carrying goods and sustaining countless forms of life – the list goes on. What happens next with the Treaty will be interesting to see; there are still multiple agendas and priorities at play. But we hold hope that this marks a major step toward caring well for this vulnerable area that means so much to the equilibrium of our world.
