A groundbreaking international treaty safeguarding marine biodiversity in the vast expanses of international waters is set to go into effect early next year following Morocco’s ratification as the 60th nation on Friday. Known as the High Seas Treaty, it represents the first legal framework specifically designed to protect marine life in regions not under the jurisdiction of any single country. These international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and almost half of Earth’s surface, face various threats such as overfishing, climate change, and deep-sea mining.
Johan Bergenas, senior vice-president of oceans at the World Wildlife Fund, emphasized the urgent need for a regulatory structure, stating that the high seas are currently a lawless domain where effective management and enforcement are indispensable. However, the treaty’s effectiveness remains uncertain as major players like the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan have yet to ratify it. While the U.S. and China have signed the treaty, signaling their alignment with its objectives, Japan and Russia have actively participated in preliminary discussions.
Canada has signed the treaty but awaits ratification, which will trigger a 120-day countdown for its enforcement. Despite this milestone, significant efforts are still required to define the implementation, financing, and enforcement mechanisms of the treaty. Bergenas stressed the essential nature of this foundational treaty, emphasizing that substantial work lies ahead to address the logistical and regulatory challenges.
The high seas play a critical role in supporting marine ecosystems and regulating global climate systems by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide while producing a significant portion of the Earth’s oxygen. The treaty also plays a crucial role in achieving the 30×30 target, a global commitment to safeguard 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030. It establishes a structured process for countries to create marine protected areas in international waters, including regulations for potentially harmful activities like deep-sea mining and geoengineering projects. Additionally, it facilitates technology-sharing, funding mechanisms, and scientific cooperation among nations.
Notably, decisions under the treaty will be made collectively through conferences of parties rather than by individual countries acting independently. However, concerns have been raised about the treaty’s effectiveness if major high seas players like China, Russia, and Japan remain outside its purview. Experts warn that without universal participation, the establishment of protected areas could be undermined, as the treaty lacks its enforcement body and relies heavily on individual countries to regulate their vessels and companies.
The treaty’s ratification is a significant step toward inclusive decision-making for small island nations like Vanuatu, highlighting the interconnectedness of ocean health and global well-being. Despite the progress, marine conservationists emphasize that the treaty represents a crucial milestone rather than a final solution, urging continued efforts to protect marine life and preserve the health of our oceans for future generations.