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High Seas Treaty Climbs to 49 Ratifications at UN Ocean Conference, Poised for Early 2026 Entry

UN Conference hosts highlight the treaty’s potential to safeguard marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction by enabling large-scale protected zones, regulating deep-sea mining

Coral is visible in the protected area of France's Porquerolles National Park ahead of the U.N. Ocean Conference on Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
A painted comber swims in the protected area of France's Port-Cros National Park ahead of the U.N. Ocean Conference, Saturday, June 7, 2025, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
People enjoy the beach as vessels sail during the "Ocean Wonders" themed event in honor of World Oceans Day ahead of the U.N. Ocean Conference on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Nice, France. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Mountains are reflected in the waters of France's Port-Cros National Park ahead of the U.N. Ocean Conference, Saturday, June 7, 2025, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)

Overview

  • A surge of 18 ratifications during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice brought the total to 49, leaving 11 more needed for the treaty to enter into force.
  • Under the treaty’s terms, entry into force follows 60 ratifications plus a 120-day waiting period, setting implementation in motion likely in early 2026.
  • The agreement creates a formal process for establishing marine protected areas in international waters and requires environmental impact assessments for activities such as deep-sea mining.
  • The United States, which has no formal delegation at the conference, is not expected to ratify the treaty under President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other leaders have urged remaining states to support a moratorium on deep-sea mining and backed the global ’30×30’ conservation pledge.