High Seas Treaty: a landmark step towards ocean conservation

In a momentous step for global environmental governance, the High Seas Treaty has crossed a significant milestone, with 60 governments now having signed it into law. This critical development enables the landmark agreement to come into force, marking it as the most pivotal global accord on the environmental crisis since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The treaty arrives at a crucial juncture, as less than 1% of the High Seas are currently afforded full or high-level protection, underscoring the urgent need for expansive conservation measures to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Protecting our oceans

The High Seas Treaty holds the potential to create the largest network of marine sanctuaries in recorded history, with the ambition of shielding over one-third of the ocean from harmful activities, such as industrial fishing and oil drilling. In doing so, it aims to bolster biodiversity recovery, mitigate the climate crisis, and secure food resources for billions who rely on the oceans for sustenance.

The ambitious goal is to protect at least 30% of marine and terrestrial ecosystems by 2030. However, as biodiversity faces significant decline, time is of the essence. A new analysis by Greenpeace International emphasises that, to achieve full protection of 30% of the High Seas by 2030, governments will need to safeguard more than 12 million square kilometres annually for the next five years—an expanse greater than that of Canada.

Urgent action required

The treaty is set to enter into force in 120 days, paving the way for the inaugural Ocean Conference of Parties (Ocean COP1) anticipated for next year. Greenpeace urges nations yet to sign—including the United Kingdom—to fast-track their ratification processes ahead of the conference, highlighting that timely implementation of the treaty could significantly position the UK as a global leader in ocean conservation efforts.

On 10 September, the UK government took a decisive step by introducing the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill to Parliament, a legislative framework that will facilitate the country's ratification of the treaty. The second reading of the bill is scheduled for 16 October, presenting an opportunity for Members of Parliament to debate its significance. Should the bill pass, further secondary legislation will follow before the UK can officially ratify the treaty.

Voices of advocacy

Chris Thorne, Senior Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace UK, articulated the gravity of the situation: “This is a bold testament to what humanity can accomplish when we come together to protect the planet we all share. However, while nations globally celebrate this environmental breakthrough, the UK must keep pace with the leading ratifying countries. The urgency of protecting our oceans has never been more acute, and the UK must act swiftly to ensure its participation in the Ocean COP.”

Mads Christensen, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, added, “This is a landmark moment for protecting the ocean, and proof that countries can unite for our blue planet. We need to halt exploitation and destruction—this treaty is a tool to achieve that. Complacency is not an option as we strive to meet our goal of 30% protection by 2030; the time for action is now.”

The path forward

Campaigners are sounding alarms, emphasising the need for immediate government action to commence planning high seas sanctuaries, ensuring robust protection against destructive human activities. Unlike many existing Marine Protected Areas that fall short, these sanctuaries must be designed with the intention to effectively shield marine environments from exploitation.

Furthermore, Greenpeace is calling for all nations to mirror the ambition demonstrated during High Seas Treaty discussions and implement a moratorium on deep-sea mining, a rapidly advancing industry posing severe threats to marine ecosystems.