Progress Map

60+ countries have signed and ratified the High Seas Treaty, officially kickstarting the 120-day countdown until it entered into force on 17 January 2026.

This important milestone was reached on 19 September 2025. With the Treaty now international law, the global community can ramp up international action to protect our shared ocean, mitigate climate breakdown, and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people worldwide.

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*The EU has deposited its instrument of ratification and is a party to the Agreement. However, as a regional economic integration organization, only the ratifications of its Member States count toward the 60 required for the Agreement’s entry into force, in accordance with Article 68(3) of the Treaty.

LATEST TREATY RATIFICATION NEWS

Historic Milestone for Global Ocean Protection: High Seas Treaty Now in Force Following 60th Ratification

The High Seas Treaty officially entered into force on 17 January 2026, becoming legally binding international law and marking a historic moment for ocean protection.

198 UN Member Countries: No Action: 50 Signed: 145 Ratified: 93

Note: Some of the 198 UN Member Countries are too small to be seen on the map.

List of Countries Track Progress

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES SIGNING THE HIGH SEAS TREATY MEAN?

The High Seas Treaty* is open for signature by all governments from 20 September 2023 and will remain open for two years. Signing does not bind governments to the Treaty, but it shows their willingness to proceed to ratification. Signing also creates an obligation to refrain, in good faith, from acts that would defeat the object and the purpose of the Treaty. Following signature, countries can ratify the Treaty at any time.

*The High Seas Alliance sometimes uses the term “High Seas Treaty“ as a short-hand for the BBNJ Agreement. HSA acknowledges that the scope of the BBNJ Agreement encompasses all Areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the seafloor and water column. This choice of wording is intended to ease understanding for broad audiences and does not convey a prioritization among the components or principles of the BBNJ Agreement.

WHAT DOES ACCEDING TO THE HIGH SEAS TREATY MEAN?

Once the signing period is closed (i.e., after September 2025), governments can still “accede” to the Treaty. By acceding, they demonstrate the same commitment to ratifying the Treaty as they do by signing. Acceding can still take place after a Treaty has entered into force.

WHAT DOES RATIFICATION OF THE HIGH SEAS TREATY MEAN?

Ratification is when governments formally consent to a new international law, and commit to ensuring that their national laws are consistent with it. The speed and process of ratification varies by country. In some countries, ratification simply requires a Leader’s decree, while in others Parliamentary approval is needed.

The High Seas Alliance is calling on countries to fast-track ratification of the High Seas Treaty so that it comes into force by 2025.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE TREATY HAS BEEN RATIFIED?

As soon as the 60^th country ratifies, it will trigger a 120 day countdown, after which the High Seas Treaty will enter into force. Within a year, the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties for the Treaty will be convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Conference of the Parties will continue to meet at regular intervals to agree measures to protect High Seas life, such as High Seas marine protected areas.

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