Late last night, after two weeks of intense negotiations, delegates meeting at the United Nations finally agreed to language for a High Seas Treaty. This is a major milestone in a nearly two-decade effort to secure a treaty to govern and protect the High Seas, which make up 70% of the ocean and cover nearly half the planet. More than 160,000 supporters spoke up and urged leaders to act. This public support, along with the great work of partners like RISE UP, the High Seas Alliance, Greenpeace, and more, helped show decision-makers that people all over the world were watching and wanted action — and they delivered. There is still more work to do, as nations will now need to formally adopt the language and ratify the treaty at the country level. We will continue to keep you updated on campaign developments and the critical moments where we need your support.
Update: After decades of negotiation, the High Seas Treaty has finally crossed the finish line. On 19 September 2025, the treaty passed the 60-country threshold to enter into force, giving us the first global, legally binding tool to protect life and habitats in the two-thirds of our ocean covered by international waters, less than 1% of which is protected. Starting January 2026, it will open the door to multilateral processes to establish marine protected areas, regulate industrial activity, and ensure fair sharing of marine resources — a historic step toward meeting the 30x30 goal.
Today, nearly half the planet is unprotected and vulnerable to exploitation.
This ocean area that lies outside of any country’s jurisdiction is known as the High Seas and covers over 60 percent of the ocean. This global commons is critical to the health of the entire ocean.
