The world has just reached a major milestone for the ocean. Over sixty countries have now ratified the High Seas Treaty, the minimum number needed for this landmark Agreement to come into force. This is a huge step toward better protection of nearly half our planet: the ocean area beyond national jurisdiction: the High Seas.
But this milestone is not the finish line. It’s the starting point. Here’s what it means and what happens next.
The Treaty is closed for signatures but not for joining
When the High Seas Treaty opened for signature at the United Nations in September 2023, countries had two years to sign. That window is now closed. 144 countries plus the European Union signed before the deadline.
If a country missed the signature period but still wants to take part, it’s not shut out. Instead of signing and then ratifying, it can now accede to the Treaty. Accession has the same legal effect as ratification: a country goes straight to being a full Party bound by the Treaty’s obligations and able to participate in its decision-making.
With over 60 ratifications now achieved, the Treaty will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification–that is 17 January 2026. The first Conference of the Parties (COP1) will then be convened within a year to set up the rules, institutions, and priorities for implementing the Treaty.
Why Universal Ratification Matters
Reaching 60 ratifications triggers entry into force, but it’s not enough to ensure the Treaty’s full potential. Universal ratification, meaning participation by as many countries as possible, ideally all UN Member States, is what gives an agreement legitimacy and power.
We’ve seen this before. The UN Climate Convention (UNFCCC) has 198 Parties. The Convention on Biological Diversity has 196. The Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) has 170. Broad membership ensures:
- Global buy-in and legitimacy: decisions are more accepted when everyone is at the table.
- Equal participation: countries, including developing nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), can shape the rules that affect them.
- Fairer outcomes: benefits from High Seas resources, capacity building, and marine technology are shared more equitably.
- Coordinated action: fragmented participation risks weakening ocean protection.
Countries that don’t ratify or accede will miss out on voting at the first Conference of Parties, holding seats on key committees, or influencing the Treaty’s implementation. They could also lose access to scientific, economic, and capacity-building benefits linked to the High Seas.
Turning ambition into action: Institutional set up and implementation of the Treaty
The High Seas Treaty is designed to help us achieve big things:
- Create marine protected areas in international waters.
- Require rigorous environmental impact assessments before activities take place.
- Share scientific knowledge and marine technology more fairly.
- Guarantee funding and capacity building for developing countries.
To make that happen, the Treaty needs strong institutions, like a Secretariat, a Scientific and Technical Body, and a Clearing-House Mechanism, which are being discussed now in the BBNJ Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) meetings at the UN. These sessions lay the groundwork so that once the Treaty enters into force, it can “hit the ground running.” Two have already taken place, and a third PrepCom will happen in March 2026.
Once the Treaty enters into force on 17 January 2026, the focus will shift to implementation. The first Conference of the Parties (COP1), which will convene within a year, will be critical as this is where decisions will be made in terms of rules of procedure, establish the Treaty’s permanent bodies, and decide on key priorities.
While countries keep ratifying the Treaty, it is essential that we keep working towards having robust and strong institutions that will help the Treaty realise its full ambition and prepare for the implementation of the Treaty.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity
This is a historic opportunity to create an inclusive system of ocean governance. Every ratification brings us closer to a truly global commitment to protect and manage the High Seas fairly and effectively.
The High Seas belong to everyone. By ratifying or acceding, countries secure their seat at the table to help shape the future of nearly half our planet. Sixty ratifications is a milestone worth celebrating, but the real goal is “60 to Global”: a High Seas Treaty backed by all nations, working for all people, and for generations to come.
To learn more about universal ratification, check out our Deep Dive on #60toGlobal here.