Signature and Ratification Progress Table

For the High Seas Treaty* to have an impact on the water, it must be signed and ratified by at least 60 countries, a milestone reached in September 2025, enabling the Treaty to enter into force on 17 January 2026. Now it is critical that governments continue ratifying and move swiftly into implementation so the Treaty delivers real protection for the ocean. The speedometer shows progress as more countries join the Treaty.

Below is a list of UN Member States that have committed to speeding up the protection of ocean life. The European Union** (as Regional Economic Integration Organization) and the State of Palestine (as a non-member observer State) have also signed the High Seas Treaty when the Treaty opened for signatures on September 20, 2023.

*The High Seas Alliance (HSA) occasionally refers to the “High Seas Treaty” as a simplified way to discuss the BBNJ Agreement. HSA recognizes that the BBNJ Agreement covers all areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the seafloor and water column. This terminology aims to make the information more accessible to a broad audience and does not imply any preference for specific elements or principles within the BBNJ Agreement.

**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.

***Denmark’s ratification does not apply to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.