Landmark ocean treaty to become law
A global agreement to protect the world’s oceans is set to became international law, giving damaged ecosystems the chance to recover.
The Global Ocean Treaty reached its 60th ratification - the threshold to become law - clearing the way for the historic agreement take effect. Two decades in the making, the deal gives governments a legal framework to create High Seas sanctuaries – vast protected areas outside of any country’s national waters.
If fully implemented, the treaty could establish the largest network of ocean sanctuaries in history, covering over a third of global oceans.
Almost half of the world's surface is made up by the High Seas but no one country controls the waters and less than 1% are fully protected. Campaigners who have lobbied for the law say it is vital to expand protection, establish sanctuaries that help mitigate the climate crisis and safeguard food security for the billions who depend on ocean resources.
"Campaigners and ocean lovers can hold onto this moment as proof that when voices demand change, we can achieve what once seemed like a distant dream."
Mads Christensen, executive director, Greenpeace International, said: “This is a landmark moment for protecting the ocean, and proof that countries can come together to protect our blue planet. The era of exploitation and destruction must end, and the Global Ocean Treaty is the tool to make that happen.
"But we must not get complacent. Scientists are clear that we need to protect at least 30% of our ocean by 2030, and time is running out. Governments around the world must use this time now to ensure the first historic Ocean COP becomes a turning point, and start to develop plans for the first-ever sanctuaries under the Treaty. Our ocean can’t wait and neither can we.”
Ariana Densham, head of oceans at Greenpeace UK, said: "Campaigners, coastal communities, small-scale fishers, scientists, and ocean lovers everywhere can hold on to this moment as proof that when millions of voices demand change, we can achieve what once seemed like a distant dream."
World Wide Fund for Nature, senior vice president of oceans, Johan Bergenas, said: "Nearly 50% of the world's surface is made up by the high seas, and the High Seas Treaty delivers much needed governance and – hopefully – action in recognition of the invaluable role the ocean plays in producing the air we breathe, the food we eat, the economy we depend on, the security we need, and the amazing beauty of a healthy marine environment."
The treaty is set to come into force on 17 January 2026.