Matthew TenBruggencate

The UK Government has launched the parliamentary process to ratify the High Seas Treaty, a landmark international agreement designed to protect biodiversity in areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction.

Announcing the move, the Foreign Office minister Seema Malhotra said:

“Our oceans are under pressure, it’s undeniable. Unsustainable fishing, global warming, pollution—all threaten to deplete the marine biodiversity we all value and rely upon.

By introducing the BBNJ Bill in Parliament, we are delivering security for the UK, in line with our Plan for Change—and fulfilling our pledge to introduce legislation by the end of the year.

The UK was one of the first countries to sign up to the BBNJ Agreement when it was adopted after over a decade of talks. Today, we begin the journey to ratifying this landmark treaty, and ensuring our ocean can thrive in the years to come.”

The move fulfils a pledge to introduce legislation before the end of the year, made by the UK Government at the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.

Environmental groups welcome progress

The Marine Conservation Society welcomed the announcement, calling it “big news for ocean protection” and urging Parliament to ensure the treaty is backed up with “real action at sea.”

Fiona Thomas, Head of Public Affairs, said:

“This is a very welcome step towards the ratification of the High Seas Treaty. The High Seas Treaty is a ground-breaking international agreement that when ratified, would protect marine life in nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans.

As an island nation, the UK has a historic and moral duty to protect our ocean, both at home and overseas. By laying the foundations to ratify this Treaty, the UK can help ensure thriving oceans for generations to come.”

A global effort

The High Seas Treaty, finalised in March 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations, has been described as the most important international conservation agreement since the 2015 Paris climate deal. Its goal is to enable the creation of MPAs in international waters, improve oversight of marine resources, and share benefits from marine genetic material fairly between nations.

For the treaty to enter into force, it must be ratified by at least 60 countries. The UK joins a growing list of states moving to do so, adding momentum to what conservationists hope will be a turning point for global ocean protection.