Key oceans treaty crosses threshold to come into force
A global agreement designed to protect the world’s oceans and reverse damage to marine life is set to become international law.
The High Seas Treaty received its 60th ratification by Morocco on Friday 19th September 2025, meaning that it will now take effect from January 2026.
The deal, which has been two decades in the making, will pave the way for international waters to be placed into marine protected areas.
“Covering more than two-thirds of the ocean, the agreement sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
Once the treaty comes into force, countries will propose areas to be protected, and these will then be voted on by the countries that sign up to the treaty.
From BBC News
