Morocco’s ratification of the High Seas Treaty has brought the treaty one step closer to taking effect early next year, making it the first agreement to safeguard marine biodiversity in international waters. Covering a significant portion of the Earth’s surface, international waters face threats like overfishing, climate change, and deep-sea mining.
Johan Bergenas, senior vice-president of oceans at the World Wildlife Fund, emphasized the urgency of establishing a regulatory legal structure for the high seas, referring to them as the “world’s largest crime scene” due to the lack of management and enforcement.
Despite progress, concerns linger over the treaty’s effectiveness, with major players such as the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan yet to ratify. While the U.S. and China have signaled alignment with the treaty’s goals, Japan and Russia have engaged in preliminary discussions.
Canada has signed the treaty but awaits ratification, triggering a 120-day countdown for the treaty’s enactment. However, extensive work remains to define implementation strategies, financing mechanisms, and enforcement protocols.
The treaty aims to establish marine protected areas and regulate activities like deep-sea mining within international waters. It also promotes technology-sharing, funding mechanisms, and scientific collaboration among participating countries.
Enforcement challenges persist, as the treaty lacks a dedicated punitive body and relies on individual countries to regulate their vessels and businesses. Universal ratification is crucial to ensure compliance and accountability among nations.
Experts warn that without the involvement of major fishing nations like China, Russia, and Japan, the treaty’s impact may be undermined, particularly in safeguarding protected areas. The treaty’s implementation and enforcement will be multilateral, involving conferences of parties to make decisions collectively.
Failure to protect the high seas could have repercussions on marine ecosystems worldwide, as marine life transcends political boundaries. The treaty represents a significant milestone for small island nations like Vanuatu, granting them a voice in decisions that affect their marine resources.
While the ratification of the High Seas Treaty is a positive development, advocates stress that it is just the beginning of a broader effort to safeguard marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable ocean management.
