Summary
The High Seas Treaty officially entered into force on January 17, 2026, marking a monumental victory for our blue planet and international diplomacy. This landmark achievement establishes the first comprehensive legal framework to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, which cover nearly half of the Earth’s surface. With 83 parties already committed, the world has moved from decades of negotiation to a new era of active ocean stewardship.
The journey to international law
The path to this day was accelerated by a surge of global momentum throughout 2025. The treaty required 60 ratifications to become legally binding, a threshold reached in September 2025 during the United Nations General Assembly. Morocco and Sierra Leone were the final nations to deposit the instruments that triggered the 120 day countdown ending today.
The diversity of the nations involved highlights a truly global commitment to the 30×30 goal – the target to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030. From the earliest supporters to the most recent additions, the coalition includes a wide range of maritime powers and island states.
Leading the way: Monaco and the first wave
The Principality of Monaco has been a cornerstone of this movement since the beginning. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was among the first to sign the treaty in September 2023. By May 9, 2024, Monaco became the first European and Mediterranean nation to formally ratify the agreement. This leadership followed more than twenty years of active diplomacy by the Principality to ensure the high seas were no longer left unregulated.
Global participation and paths to joining
While 145 countries have signed the treaty, 83 have completed the formal legal process to become parties. This list includes nations that followed different legal routes to ensure they could participate in the first governance meetings.
- First ratifiers: Palau made history as the first nation to ratify in January 2024, followed by Chile, Belize, and the Seychelles.
- Accession: Japan utilized the accession process in December 2025. This allowed Japan to become a full party even though it did not sign the treaty before the initial two year window closed in September 2025.
- Regional blocks: The European Union ratified the treaty as a collective entity in May 2025, coordinating the efforts of its member states.
Summary of Treaty participation
| Key participant | Role in treaty | Date joined |
| Palau | First global ratification | Jan 22, 2024 |
| Monaco | First European ratification | May 9, 2024 |
| European Union | Regional block ratification | May 28, 2025 |
| Morocco | The 60th ratification | Sep 19, 2025 |
| Japan | Major power accession | Dec 12, 2025 |
| Total Parties | 83 Nations | As of Jan 17, 2026 |
The roadmap for the first year
Now that the treaty is in force, the focus turns to the first Conference of the Parties, which must be held by January 2027. This gathering will be the launchpad for creating the first generation of high seas marine protected areas. Immediate priorities include establishing a permanent secretariat and a scientific committee to evaluate the first formal conservation proposals.
The entry into force of the High Seas Treaty is a beacon of hope for marine life and future generations. By working together, the international community has proven that it is possible to bridge governance gaps and take decisive action for the health of our shared ocean.
Related articles
High Seas Treaty ratification progress report, June 2025
EU’S approval to ratify the ‘High Seas Treaty’: Explainer 101, Aug 2024
A win for the High Seas Treaty: Monaco signs at UN General Assembly week, Sept 2023
UN adopts first ‘historic’ treaty to protect high seas, Aug 2023
Related source links
- United Nations Treaty Collection (UNTC): This is the definitive legal source for the status of the BBNJ Agreement. View Official UN Status
- High Seas Alliance Ratification Tracker: An excellent, user-friendly tool for visual mapping and real-time updates on which countries have joined. Track Global Progress
- United Nations BBNJ Official Page: Provides the full text of the treaty and information regarding the upcoming Conference of the Parties. Read the Treaty Text
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: For specific details regarding the accession process mentioned in the article. Japan’s Accession Announcement
- Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation: Details on the Principality’s long-standing leadership and the specific role of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. Monaco’s Ocean Leadership
