Global momentum carries High Seas Treaty to historic entry into force

(22 September 2025 - New York, NY) - A major milestone in ocean conservation has been reached: the High Seas Treaty has now secured 60 ratifications, meeting the threshold required for it to officially enter into force. The landmark agreement-formally the UN Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)-will come into effect in 120 days, unlocking new legal protections for marine biodiversity in international waters.

This development marks a pivotal moment for global efforts to safeguard the high seas. IFAW, which has advocated for strong, equitable protections under the treaty, welcomed the news as a turning point for ocean health and climate action.

"This is a breakthrough moment for the ocean, marine wildlife, and the millions of people who depend on them," said Matt Collis, Senior Director of Policy at IFAW. "For ocean giants like whales, sharks and turtles that have roamed these waters for millions of years, it marks the start of a new era in global ocean conservation. With the treaty's entry into force, governments now have a critical opportunity to establish marine protected areas on the high seas, close governance gaps, and build resilience in the face of the climate crisis."

The High Seas Treaty provides the first legally binding international framework for conserving biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering nearly half the planet's surface. Once in force, it will enable the creation of marine protected areas, set rules for environmental impact assessments, and promote fair access to marine genetic resources and shared scientific knowledge.

Progress has accelerated in recent months, with dozens of countries announcing their intent to ratify during the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in June. Four new ratifications took place over the past week ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations Global Assembly. The treaty's entry into force will trigger preparations for its first Conference of the Parties (COP1), where governments will define how protections will be implemented and monitored.

These provisions are vital to achieving climate and biodiversity global goals, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 30×30 target to protect 30% of the planet's land and ocean by 2030.

"This is the culmination of decades of work by governments, scientists, Indigenous communities, and civil society," said Collis. "We now need that same ambition and urgency to ensure this framework delivers meaningful conservation outcomes."

IFAW urges all remaining signatories to swiftly complete their ratification processes and calls on ratifying countries to take bold, science-based action at COP1 to protect ocean ecosystems under threat.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

• Adopted in June 2023, after nearly two decades of discussion and negotiations, the Treaty opened for signature on 20 September 2023. In addition to the 60 ratifications, 142 countries plus the European Union have signed, signaling their intent to ratify.
• The official status of signatures and ratifications can be found on the UN website and the High Seas Alliance's ratification tracker. Note: The number shown on the High Seas Alliance tracker reflects only the ratifications that count toward entry into force and does not include the EU's ratification and therefore differs from the UN's total count.
• The High Seas Treaty will become legally effective 120 days from the date of the 60th ratification (17 January 2026).

Press contact:

Stacey Hedman Senior Communications Director, IFAW m: +1 508 737 2558 e: [email protected]