After decades of negotiation, the High Seas Treaty has finally crossed the finish line. With 60 countries ratifying the agreement, it will officially enter into force in early 2026 — creating, for the first time, a legal framework to protect biodiversity in international waters.
Why is this such a big deal? Because the high seas cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and almost half the planet, yet until now, they’ve been largely ungoverned. The treaty allows nations to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, require environmental impact assessments for potentially harmful activities, and ensure that benefits from marine genetic resources are shared more equitably across the globe.
What this means for the ocean
The treaty is a milestone for protecting migratory species, curbing overexploitation, and safeguarding ecosystems that regulate climate and support life everywhere. It also underscores equity by ensuring that all countries — not just the most powerful — can benefit from and contribute to ocean science and conservation.
What this means for Seatrees
At Seatrees, our work focuses on restoring blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves, kelp forests, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, shellfish reefs, and coastal watersheds. While these ecosystems thrive close to shore, they’re deeply connected to the larger ocean system. Protecting biodiversity in the high seas helps ensure the resilience of the coastal habitats we restore.
Just as importantly, the treaty’s emphasis on equity and shared responsibility mirrors our mission: empowering local communities to regenerate marine ecosystems while building sustainable livelihoods.
A wave of hope
The High Seas Treaty proves that global collaboration for the ocean is possible. It complements the on-the-ground restoration we support and strengthens the broader movement to restore ocean health — from coastal mangroves in Kenya to kelp forests in California.
This is a moment to celebrate, but also a reminder: treaties are only as strong as the action that follows. Together, through global policy and local restoration, we can turn the tide for the ocean.