What is the High Seas Treaty and why does it matter?

Key Concepts

• High Seas: Ocean waters beyond 200 nautical miles from any country’s coastline, representing approximately 64% of the world’s oceans.
• Global High Seas Treaty: An international agreement establishing a legal framework for the management and protection of international waters.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designated areas within the high seas established for conservation purposes.
• Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Biological materials from the deep ocean with potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.
• Conference of the Parties (COP): A governing body established by the treaty to facilitate collaboration and ensure compliance among member states.
• 30 by 30 Target: A global initiative to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

Understanding the High Seas and the New Treaty

The vast majority of the world’s oceans – approximately 64%, or two-thirds – constitute the “high seas.” These waters, extending beyond 200 nautical miles from any national coastline, are not under the jurisdiction of any single country. This means all nations have the right to fish, navigate, and conduct scientific research in these areas. However, currently, less than 1% of the high seas are protected, leaving them vulnerable to significant threats. These threats include overfishing, increasing shipping traffic, and the escalating impacts of climate change, all of which jeopardize migratory species, deep-sea ecosystems, and global food security.

The Global High Seas Treaty: A Framework for Protection

The newly implemented Global High Seas Treaty aims to address these vulnerabilities by establishing a legal framework for the management and protection of international waters. This treaty allows countries to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the high seas, requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for large-scale projects, and regulating activities like industrial fishing and seabed exploration. A crucial element is the regulation of access and benefit-sharing related to Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) – biological materials from the deep ocean with potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and other industries.

Specifically, the treaty mandates that countries assess the environmental impact of major activities, including deep-sea mining, before granting approval. This represents a significant step towards balancing economic development with biodiversity protection. As stated in the transcript, this is “one of us collaboration…all states who are parties to the treaty and we need to work together, which means that they would actually have to keep each other in check.”

Governance and Implementation: The Role of the Conference of the Parties

The treaty’s success hinges on international cooperation and enforcement. A key component of this is the “Conference of the Parties” (COP), a forum where member states will convene to discuss and address issues such as vessels operating outside of national control. This body will be crucial for ensuring compliance and accountability. The transcript highlights the importance of high-level political engagement, stating, “it is a basic question of bringing these issues after highest political level…which is maybe more important to the leadership of the country.”

Economic Considerations and Potential Impacts

The economic value of the global ocean economy, including shipping, fisheries, tourism, and marine services, was estimated at $2.2 trillion USD in 2023, with services accounting for $1.3 trillion and ocean-related goods contributing $900 billion – representing approximately 7% of world trade. However, the UN estimates that roughly one-third of global fish stocks are already overexploited, threatening food security and livelihoods, particularly in coastal and developing nations.

While stronger regulation may incur short-term costs, the treaty proponents argue it ensures long-term economic sustainability. Countries with large distant-water fishing fleets, such as China, Japan, and Russia, will be particularly impacted. These nations, operating thousands of kilometers from home, will likely face stricter monitoring, reporting requirements, and potential limitations on their fishing practices.

The Treaty as a Test of International Cooperation

The High Seas Treaty is presented not just as a conservation effort, but as a test of international cooperation in the face of global challenges like climate change and resource depletion. It is positioned as a key pillar in achieving the global “30 by 30” target – protecting 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

As the transcript concludes, “what happens next will determine whether this landmark deal becomes a turning point or a missed opportunity.” The treaty’s success depends on the willingness of nations to prioritize collective responsibility and sustainable resource management.