Overview

• Nineteen countries ratified the high seas treaty in Nice, taking the total to 50 with three more needed for it to enter into force by January 2026.
• Over 90 ministers endorsed a robust plastics treaty calling for production limits despite resistance from oil-producing nations.
• Nations including French Polynesia, Colombia and Samoa unveiled new marine protected areas while Australia pledged to safeguard 30% of its waters by 2030.
• A 37-member alliance vowed to block any effort to permit deep-sea mining at next month’s International Seabed Authority negotiations.
• Private donors committed €8.7 billion over five years but wealthy governments withheld major pledges and the final statement made no mention of offshore oil and gas.