UK Government Commits to Ratify High Seas Treaty by Year-End

In a significant move to enhance marine conservation, UK ministers announced their commitment to ratify the high seas treaty by the end of 2025. This landmark agreement, designed to protect biodiversity in the nearly two-thirds of the ocean classified as international waters, follows a surge of support and ratifications showcased at the recent UN oceans conference held in Nice, France.

The treaty seeks to establish marine protected areas in the high seas, a region that remains largely unregulated and faces increasing pressures from overfishing, climate change, and potential deep-sea mining activities. Emmanuel Macron, the French President and co-host of the conference, emphasized the importance of securing at least 60 ratifications for the treaty to come into force, which could occur as early as January 2026.

Emma Hardy, the UK’s marine minister, heralded the treaty as a crucial step towards restoring the health of the oceans, stating, "Our oceans are dying. Without urgent action, they will be irreversibly destroyed." The proposed legislation will create a legal framework for establishing protected areas in the high seas, safeguarding vulnerable marine species such as sharks, whales, and sea turtles.

This treaty aligns with the global commitment to the “30 x 30” initiative, aiming to protect 30% of both land and sea by 2030. The agreement, formally known as the Convention on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, will not only foster the creation of these protected areas but will also establish regulations governing extractive industries operating in international waters.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by the actions of other nations. In April, former US President Donald Trump pushed to expedite deep-sea mining under US law, raising concerns regarding its impact on international efforts to regulate such activities.

Moreover, the UK's commitment to the high seas treaty coincides with its participation in a collective pledge with over 90 countries to negotiate a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution, addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics from production to consumption.

As the UK prepares to introduce the necessary legislation by the end of the year, the implications of this treaty extend beyond national waters, potentially influencing global marine governance and conservation practices. The move reflects a growing recognition among nations of the need for cooperative international frameworks to address the multifaceted challenges facing the world’s oceans.

This development not only represents a significant advancement in marine conservation but also reflects a broader commitment to protecting the planet's biodiversity in the face of growing environmental threats. The upcoming negotiations and legislative actions will be pivotal in shaping the future of marine ecosystems and the international community’s response to climate change and pollution.