Overview

• A total of 51 countries ratified the high seas treaty by the conference close, leaving nine more for entry into force by January 2026.
• Over 90 environment ministers issued a symbolic declaration endorsing strong limits on plastic production and consumption ahead of Geneva talks in August.
• Nations including France, Colombia and Samoa unveiled new marine protected areas, with Australia pledging domestic protections for 30% of its waters by 2030.
• Small island states saw no major new financial commitments from wealthier governments to address sea-level rise, overfishing and pollution.
• The absence of the United States and its proposal to fast-track deep-sea mining drew criticism from civil society and ocean-conservation advocates.