A landmark international treaty aimed at protecting marine life in the “high seas” will go into effect in January 2026. The "high seas" is the term given to the two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie outside the borders of any nation. The treaty has now been ratified by the required number of nations. Morocco this month became the 60th United Nations (UN)-member state to ratify the accord. It was adopted by the UN in 2023. The US has signed it as well. But it has not ratified the High Seas Treaty. That would require adoption by Congress. The legally binding accord creates a “Conference of the Parties.” That means the group of nations that signed the treaty will decide how to regulate fishing, mining, and shipping in the high seas. Their goal is to protect the oceans. Until now, most of these waters had no rules. Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction pose serious threats to Earth's oceans. Those practices harm aquatic life. But they also threaten the oceans’ ability to provide a vital function for Earth. The oceans produce half of Earth’s oxygen. And they absorb carbon dioxide and heat. “The high seas are the world’s largest crime scene," Johan Bergenas told The Associated Press (AP). He's an executive at the World Wildlife Fund. "They’re unmanaged, unenforced, and a regulatory legal structure is absolutely necessary." The treaty’s strength remains an open question, though. Along with the US, the major world powers of China, Japan, and Russia have yet to ratify the treaty. Like the US, China has signed it. Meanwhile, many questions remain about how its rules will be enforced. And it is not clear who will pay for it. “You need bigger boats, more fuel, more training and a different regulatory system,” Bergenas told the AP. “Now begins the hard work.” Reflect: What is something in the world that you think needs stronger protections and why? Photo of marine life from Unsplash courtesy of Marek Okon.
