High Seas Treaty Now Law: Oceans Gain Global Shield

The landmark UN High Seas Treaty, known as the BBNJ Agreement, officially entered into force on January 17, 2026, after securing 60 ratifications, marking a historic step for global ocean protection beyond national waters. Covering nearly half the planet's surface, the treaty targets overfishing, pollution, deep-sea mining, and biodiversity loss through marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable resource sharing.