79 Nations Ratify Global Ocean Treaty to Protect the High Seas

A landmark deal to protect the high seas finally became a reality in September 2025, when the Global Ocean Treaty entered into force after 79 nations ratified it — well beyond the 60 required. Iceland, Brazil, and Japan were among the latest to join, though major maritime nations including Australia, the UK, and the US have yet to ratify. The treaty provides a legal framework for creating protected areas in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean but have long lacked governance.

Currently, only about 1% of international waters are protected. Greenpeace said the treaty could establish the largest network of ocean sanctuaries in history. "This is the most significant victory for ocean protection and restoration I have ever witnessed," said Greenpeace's Ariana Densham. The treaty will enable governments to set up marine protected areas on the high seas, conduct environmental impact assessments for activities like deep-sea mining, and share the benefits of marine genetic resources more equitably among nations.

“Iceland, Brazil, and Japan were among the latest to join, though major maritime nations including Australia, the UK, and the US have yet to ratify.”