High Seas Treaty takes effect after ratification by 83 countries

The High Seas Treaty, the first legally binding agreement to protect marine life in international waters, entered into force after reaching the required ratifications. It creates a framework for Marine Protected Areas and requires environmental assessments and sharing of certain research.

The High Seas Treaty, described as the world's first legally binding agreement to protect marine life in international waters, took effect on Saturday. It covers ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction and follows nearly two decades of international negotiations. The treaty entered into force 120 days after reaching the required ratification threshold in September, and the article says 83 countries had ratified by Friday, including recent additions such as China and Japan. The agreement establishes a framework for creating Marine Protected Areas on the high seas. Key details: - The article says the treaty entered into force after 60 countries ratified it and that 83 countries had ratified by Friday, including China and Japan. - It creates the first framework for establishing Marine Protected Areas in international waters, which make up about two‑thirds of the world's ocean. - Currently, about 1% of those international waters are protected, the article reports. - Ratifying countries are required to cooperate on ocean science and technology and to help build capacity in developing nations for ocean governance. - Companies planning activities that could harm marine life must carry out environmental impact assessments that meet the treaty's standards, and researchers working on organisms with potential commercial use must notify others and share findings. - Key institutions, including the treaty's secretariat and a scientific body, are still being set up, and the article says the first Conference of Parties will meet within a year to decide operational details. Summary: The treaty gives countries a legal framework to protect biodiversity in the high seas and could help efforts to meet global conservation targets such as protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, the article reports. Within a year the first Conference of Parties will address budgets and committee makeup, and the article says the earliest Marine Protected Areas could be approved at the second COP because the scientific body to review proposals is not yet established.