A new treaty aimed at protecting areas of the high seas from overfishing has officially come into force, marking a significant milestone in ocean conservation efforts. These international waters, located beyond the exclusive economic zones of countries, have often been referred to as the “wild west” due to the lack of regulations governing fishing activities. However, with this new agreement in place, countries now have the framework to establish marine protected areas in these vulnerable regions.
The treaty, ratified by more than 60 countries in September 2025, covers the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in the open oceans, which make up half of the Earth’s surface. It represents a major step forward in protecting the “blue heart of Earth” that plays a crucial role in regulating climate and supporting marine life.
According to experts like marine biologist Sylvia Earle, this treaty is a turning point in the defense of our oceans and the diverse ecosystems they support. While it will take almost a year for countries to establish protected areas under the treaty, the rules and oversight structures are expected to be finalized at an inaugural conference of the parties in late 2026.
Conservationists are eager to protect key areas in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, such as the Sargasso Sea and the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, which are home to a wide range of marine species. The treaty will also create a repository for sharing genetic resources discovered in international waters, potentially leading to the development of new medicines.
Over the years, commercial fishing activities have expanded into the high seas, posing threats to biodiversity hotspots and causing damage to the seabed through practices like bottom trawling. The treaty aims to address these issues and prevent further over-exploitation of fish stocks in international waters.
One of the key arguments in favor of this treaty is the proven benefits of marine protected areas in national waters, which have boosted neighboring fisheries by providing a safe haven for fish to spawn and grow. By setting aside protected areas in the high seas, countries can work towards the 30 by 30 initiative to conserve 30% of the Earth’s surface by 2030.
Protecting these areas from fishing and pollution will also help marine life adapt to rising temperatures and build resilience to climate change. Ocean ecosystems play a crucial role in absorbing excess heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them essential in the fight against global warming.
Despite the challenges of enforcement and monitoring, efforts are underway to track vessels and identify illegal activities in these protected areas. While the treaty has been signed by 145 nations, it is only binding on those that ratify it. Countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia have yet to ratify the agreement, but conservationists hope that more nations will join in this global effort to safeguard our oceans for future generations. The high seas, also known as the open ocean, are a vast and important part of our planet’s ecosystem. They cover more than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface and play a crucial role in regulating the climate, providing oxygen, and supporting a diverse array of marine life. However, the high seas are facing increasing threats from overfishing, pollution, climate change, and other human activities.
It is the responsibility of all of us to protect the high seas and ensure their long-term health and sustainability. This means taking action to reduce our impact on these fragile ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. By working together, we can help preserve the biodiversity of the high seas and ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from these valuable resources.
Protecting the high seas is not only a moral imperative, but it also benefits all of us in various ways. Healthy oceans play a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and producing oxygen through photosynthesis. They also provide a vital source of food and livelihoods for millions of people around the world.
By protecting the high seas, we can safeguard these important ecosystem services and ensure a sustainable future for both marine life and human communities. This requires a collective effort from individuals, governments, and organizations to implement policies and practices that promote conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.
In conclusion, it is up to all of us to take responsibility for protecting the high seas and ensuring their long-term health and sustainability. By working together, we can help preserve these valuable ecosystems for future generations to enjoy. Let us all do our part to protect the high seas and reap the benefits of a healthy and thriving ocean environment.
