In June 2023, after nearly two decades of negotiations, the world’s nations reached a landmark agreement under the umbrella of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the BBNJ Agreement, was adopted.
The High Seas are the vast areas of ocean beyond national borders. Together, they make up well over half of the world’s oceans. Despite their size and importance, these waters have long lacked strict, binding rules to protect marine biodiversity.
That is now changing.
In September 2025, the Treaty secured its 60th ratification - the final requirement for it to enter into force. As a result, the Agreement will become legally effective on 17 January 2026, opening a new chapter in global ocean protection.
What Does the Treaty Do?
The High Seas Treaty addresses long-standing gaps in how international waters are governed. For decades, the high seas were considered a “global commons” open to everyone, but protected by very few rules.
These are the main elements of the treaty:
- Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) & Benefit-Sharing
Deep-sea organisms - from tiny microbes to complex marine species - are increasingly researched for use in medicine, technology, cosmetics, and food. Until now, there were few clear rules about who could access these resources or benefit from them.
The Treaty introduces a simple principle: marine life found in international waters does not belong to any one country. Research activities must be transparent, and benefits - whether financial or scientific - should be shared more fairly. This helps prevent exploitation and supports global cooperation, particularly benefiting countries with limited access to deep-sea research.
- Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
One of the most important changes introduced by the Treaty is the ability to establish Marine Protected Areas on the high seas. For the first time, countries can collaborate to protect ecosystems that extend far beyond national borders.
These protected areas can safeguard deep-sea corals, seamounts, and migration routes used by whales, sharks, turtles, and other species that travel across oceans. Protecting these areas helps maintain healthy marine ecosystems — including those closer to shore.
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
The Treaty also requires that potentially harmful activities in international waters - such as deep-sea mining or large industrial projects - are assessed before they begin.
Environmental Impact Assessments help ensure that long-term and cumulative effects on fragile deep-ocean ecosystems are considered early, allowing decisions to be guided by science rather than short-term interests.
- Capacity Building & Transfer of Marine Technology
Not all countries have equal access to research vessels, technology, or marine science expertise. The Treaty recognises this imbalance and promotes cooperation, training, and knowledge sharing.
By supporting capacity building and technology transfer, the Agreement helps ensure that ocean protection becomes a shared global effort, not one led only by a small number of well-resourced nations.
What This Means for Green Sail and How It Matters to the Nautical Tourism Industry
At Green Sail, our work is rooted in marine protection and sustainable sailing. The High Seas Treaty offers an opportunity to connect what we do locally with global efforts to protect the seas and oceans.
- Educational Value
The Treaty provides relevant, up-to-date content that can be integrated into Green Sail courses and educational activities. It allows us to go beyond coastal ecosystems and introduce participants to topics such as global ocean governance, deep-sea ecosystems, and international conservation efforts.
- Raising Awareness
Many sailors, divers, and tourism professionals work primarily in coastal areas and may not fully realise the crucial role the high seas play in maintaining ocean health. The Treaty helps communicate a simple message: what happens far offshore affects biodiversity, climate stability, fisheries, and livelihoods, including in our own seas.
- Linking Local and Global Action
By referencing the Treaty in our communication and education, we can help participants understand their role as global ocean citizens. Responsible behaviour at sea, respect for marine ecosystems, and sustainable practices are not just local responsibilities - they are part of a collective global effort.
- Opportunities for Engagement and Advocacy
As the Treaty enters into force and new high-seas Marine Protected Areas are proposed, Green Sail can contribute through education, awareness-raising, and community engagement. This includes promoting responsible sailing practices, plastic-free initiatives, citizen-science activities, and storytelling that connects coastal communities with the protection of the seas.
Using the High Seas Treaty as a reference point helps position Green Sail’s mission within a wider global movement, linking local maritime culture with international ocean conservation.
The nautical tourism industry can support the High Seas Treaty by adopting responsible practices, reducing emissions and pollution, and respecting sensitive marine habitats. Charter companies, marinas, and operators can also raise awareness among guests, support research through data sharing, and align with international conservation standards. Through collaboration and proactive stewardship, the sector can help turn the treaty’s goals into real protection for the ocean.
What Happens Next and How the Treaty Will Roll Out?
With the Treaty coming into force on 17 January 2026, governments and institutions will begin implementing its provisions.
In practice, this means that national legislation will need to be adapted to meet Treaty obligations, including rules on environmental impact assessments and participation in Marine Protected Areas. New international bodies and cooperation mechanisms will also be established to support implementation.
Within one year of the Treaty entering into force, the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) must be held. At the same time, scientists, NGOs, environmental organisations, and civil society are expected to begin preparing proposals for new protected areas and conservation measures.
In short, 2026 marks the beginning of a long-term process focused on cooperation, science, and responsible ocean stewardship.
Global Ocean Protection and the “30×30” Goal
For decades, the high seas were a major blind spot in ocean protection. They were heavily used by fishing fleets, shipping routes, and emerging industries, yet remained largely unprotected.
The High Seas Treaty changes that. It provides the framework needed to extend protection to ecologically important regions far beyond national borders and supports the global ambition to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Protecting the high seas strengthens both biodiversity and climate resilience, as oceans regulate the climate and sustain life worldwide. The Treaty marks a historic shift, bringing the high seas into a global legal and conservation framework. For organisations like Green Sail, this is a chance to link local action with global impact. Through science-based decisions, cooperation, and protection measures, the Treaty can help secure a healthier ocean for future generations, with Green Sail committed to supporting more responsible and sustainable nautical tourism.