The new High Seas Treaty will safeguard life in the entire ocean beyond countries’ national jurisdictions. It is the global opportunity to finally address the many governance gaps that have plagued the ocean and left it vulnerable to overexploitation for decades.
After being formally adopted in June, the Treaty reached the required 60 ratifications on 19 September 2025, triggering the 120-day countdown to entry into force on 17 January 2026. With the Treaty now law, governments can begin turning ambition into action, ramping up international cooperation to protect our shared ocean, tackle climate breakdown, and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people worldwide.
It has taken almost two decades to get this far. A critical tool to address our planetary emergency is within our grasp.
Ask more governments to continue to Ratify the High Seas Treaty Now!
Countdown to COP1