Overview

• France’s Emmanuel Macron announced that 55 countries have ratified the treaty with several more in progress, unlocking its entry into force on January 1, 2026
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged accelerated ratifications to confront threats from illegal fishing, plastic pollution and rising sea temperatures
• The agreement will empower nations to establish marine protected areas beyond national jurisdictions, a key step toward the 30 percent global ocean conservation target by 2030
• President Macron and over 36 countries called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining to prevent biodiversity loss and preserve carbon sinks
• Conference participants highlighted an annual $175 billion funding gap for ocean conservation and outlined plans for a 2028 financing facility after private investors pledged €8.7 billion