Just days after the groundbreaking High Seas Treaty officially took effect, governments and ocean specialists have begun the essential work of implementing the commitments outlined in the agreement.
In the upcoming months, countries, regional organizations, and civil society groups will detail specific steps to safeguard the world’s largest shared ecosystem. The United Nations is gearing up for the inaugural Conference of the Parties (COP) under the treaty, which is set to take place later this year.
During this meeting, governments are anticipated to establish protocols for the creation and management of new marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, finalize regulations regarding environmental impact assessments, and agree on mechanisms for the equitable sharing of marine resources.
Dr. Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, emphasized the importance of this phase, noting, “The real work begins now. Implementation will require unprecedented collaboration—across borders, sectors, and scientific disciplines—to deliver lasting protection for the high seas and our own national waters.”
Eight Pacific nations, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu, have already ratified the treaty and are coordinating efforts to meet its goals. This month, legal experts are convening to discuss integrating the treaty’s provisions into national law, while regional workshops, driven by organizations such as the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s Office and the Pacific Ocean Alliance, focus on capacity-building and monitoring strategies.
However, some experts caution that the path ahead may not be smooth. Dr. Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas, mentioned that “Establishing new MPAs is only the first step.” He added that the success of these areas will depend on strong enforcement, transparent monitoring, and genuine multinational cooperation.
A significant concern is ensuring that the new protected areas are not simply “paper parks,” but instead provide substantial benefits to marine biodiversity. This goal will necessitate investments in satellite monitoring, enhanced data sharing, and international collaboration to deter illegal activities.
The treaty plays a crucial role in achieving the global objective of protecting 30 percent of the planet’s land and sea by the year 2030, as outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The coming year will be pivotal in determining whether world leaders can convert their ambitious intentions into meaningful actions.
Dr. Kevin Chand of Pristine Seas expressed a hopeful outlook, stating, “We now have the legal tools and the political will. It’s time to deliver on the promise of healthy oceans for future generations.” This sentiment underscores an optimistic view towards a collaborative future in ocean conservation.
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