The world’s first legally binding agreement to protect marine life in international waters entered into force on Saturday, marking a historic moment for ocean conservation after nearly two decades of negotiations.
the High Seas Treaty It will rule nearly half of the planet’s surface – vast ocean areas beyond any country’s control. These waters face increasing threats from destructive fishing practices, shipping, Plastic pollutionPoaching and potential Deep sea miningall composed of Climate change. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making their health critical to tackling the climate crisis.
The treaty entered into force 120 days after it reached the threshold of ratification by 60 countries in September. As of Friday, 83 countries have ratified it, including the recent addition of major maritime powers such as China and Japan.
The treaty creates the first framework for establishing marine protected areas in the high seas, which make up about two-thirds of the world’s oceans. Currently, only about 1% of these international waters are protected.
Starting Saturday, ratifying countries must begin working together on ocean science and technology as well as helping developing countries build capacity to participate in ocean governance. Companies planning activities that could harm marine life must conduct environmental impact assessments that meet treaty standards. Those conducting research on ocean organisms that could be used commercially, such as new medicines, must notify other countries and share their findings.
Perhaps most importantly, countries must now promote the Treaty’s environmental conservation goals when they participate in other international bodies that regulate ocean activities, such as regional fisheries organizations, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Seabed Authority.
While key institutions such as the Treaty Secretariat and the Scientific Body are still developing, countries are able to begin preparing proposals for marine protected areas immediately. Possible locations include the Emperor Seamounts in the North Pacific Ocean, the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, and the Salas y Gomez and Nazca mountain ranges off South America.
Conservationists warn that governments must move quickly to meet the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, a goal scientists say is critical to ocean health. Because the high seas make up a large part of the oceans, protecting them is essential to achieving this goal.
“Treaty-protected marine areas will only be as strong as governments make them strong,” said Megan Randles, global political leader for Greenpeace’s Oceans Campaign. “We cannot trust the big players in the fishing industry to simply stop fishing in these vital ecosystems. We need governments to use the treaty to force their hand.”
It has not been determined how these protected areas will actually be monitored and enforced. Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, said countries are exploring various options, from satellite technology to coordinating patrols between multiple countries to using other UN agencies to help with monitoring. These details will be worked out when the first protected areas are formed.
Within one year, the first Conference of the Parties to the Treaty will meet to decide on key operational details, from budgets to the composition of various committees. Countries have worked to answer many of these questions in preparatory meetings, and the final session is scheduled for late March. The soonest marine protected areas could receive approval will be at COP 2, where the scientific body that will review the proposals has not yet been established.
the The United States signed the treaty but did not ratify itwhich means that he can participate as an observer but will not have voting rights. Under international law, signatory states are expected to comply with the objectives of the treaty even before ratifying it.
“The High Seas Treaty has incredibly broad and strong political support from all regions of the world,” Hubbard said. “Although it is disappointing that the United States has not yet ratified the agreement, this does not undermine its momentum and the support it already enjoys.”
Advocates stress that widespread support must now translate into rapid implementation.
“The treaty is a sign that in a divided world, protecting nature and protecting our global commons can still triumph over political rivalries,” Randles said. “The ocean connects us all.”
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