Recently, Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, marking the first international legal framework aimed at protecting biodiversity in international waters.

What are High Seas?

• According to the 1958 Geneva Convention, high seas are ocean areas lying beyond the jurisdiction of any state. 
• They extend past a nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which typically reaches 200 nautical miles from its coast. 

What is the High Seas Treaty?

• Also Known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement
• The UN High Seas Treaty, adopted in March 2023, is a global agreement to regulate ocean areas beyond national Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
• It is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Key Objectives of the Treaty

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): 
  • Legal framework for creating MPAs; previously only 1.45% of high seas were protected.
  • Key mechanism for achieving the “30×30” goal of protecting 30% of oceans by 2030.
• Marine Genetic Resources, including the fair & Equitable Sharing of Benefits
  • Treaty governs MGRs in international waters, including Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
  • Benefit-sharing includes monetary contributions (based on national income) and non-monetary transfers like technology sharing, capacity building, and joint research.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): 
  • Comprehensive EIAs required for activities with potential significant impact in international waters.
  • Process covers screening, scoping, assessment, public notification, and monitoring.
  • Applies to national and international activities affecting high seas.
  • Integrates Indigenous and traditional knowledge with scientific methods.
• Capacity Building & Technology Transfer: 
  • Establishes training programs, research fellowships, and institutional partnerships.
  • Develops regional hubs for marine technology, fostering collaboration and local capacity.
  • Ensures developing nations can participate meaningfully in high-seas governance.

Signing & Ratification

• Implementation: The treaty would become international law 120 days after at least 60 countries submit their formal ratification documents
• Global Status: As of 22nd September 2025, 143 countries have signed the High Seas Treaty.
• Ratification: So far, 60 countries have ratified it.
• India’s Position: India signed the treaty in 2024, but has not yet ratified it.

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