Good news for pelagic seabirds, such as the Wandering Albatross? The High Seas Treaty has entered into force

A Wandering Albatross off Chile by Marchesse, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (ABUN) for ACAP

The Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement or High Seas Treaty) was adopted by UN Member States on 19 June 2023 and entered into force 120 days later on 17 January 2025, following 60 ratifications.  The treaty covers roughly two-thirds of the ocean that lies outside national waters and Exclusive Economic Zones.

“The Treaty opens the door to protecting nearly half our planet with new tools to establish marine protected areas and ensure that the benefits of the high seas are shared equitably, especially with developing countries and small island states.”

The BBNJ Treaty allows for creating marine protected areas (MPAs), conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs), sharing marine genetic resources and building capacity for developing nations.

Although the signature period closed on 20 September 2025, countries are still able to become parties to the BBNJ Agreement by acceding.  All 13 Parties to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement have signed the High Seas Treaty.  To date, seven of them have become Parties to the treaty by ratification or other means.  For the latest status of signatures and ratifications, visit the UN Treaty Collection website.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 January 2026