High Seas Treaty Enters into Force to Protect Marine Life in International Waters

The High Seas Treaty, the first legally binding global agreement to protect marine life in international waters, took effect after nearly two decades of negotiations. It governs nearly half the planet's surface, addressing threats like overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining amid climate change. The treaty enables the creation of Marine Protected Areas covering two-thirds of the ocean and requires ratifying countries to collaborate on conservation, science, and capacity building. As of January, 83 countries, including China and Japan, have ratified it, while others like the US have signed but not ratified.