Food & Drink
Fish Free February 2026
71Blue joins Fish Free February to uncover overlooked pressures on our ocean and inspire meaningful action.
6 January 2026
WWF has welcomed the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty as ‘a beacon of hope for the ocean and planetary health’.
The treaty, which was almost two decades in the making, provides a new framework to help protect and manage the two-thirds of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction.
The High Seas Treaty provides a legally binding mechanism to enable the designation of networks of marine protected areas (MPAs), an essential step towards achieving the global target of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, as agreed under the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Currently just over 1% of the high seas is protected, despite their importance to planetary and human health and the economy.
Impacts on ocean life from overfishing and destructive fishing, shipping, pollution, climate change and emerging threats such as deep-seabed mining are issues that cannot be solved by one nation, nor by any sectoral management body alone; they require a holistic approach, which is where the High Seas Treaty comes in.
‘The entry into force of the High Seas Treaty marks a historic moment for the world’s ocean and for all of us who depend on it. As the treaty becomes international law, it ushers in a new era of ocean governance and cooperation with immense potential to deliver a healthier, more resilient ocean and economy. This is just the start of the voyage – we urge governments and businesses to work together to effectively implement the treaty and encourage those countries that have not yet done so to come on board.’
KIRSTEN SCHUIJT
Director general, WWF International
In addition to enabling the establishment of globally agreed MPAs, the treaty strengthens requirements for environmental impact assessments covering planned marine activities with potential ecological impacts. These include fisheries, shipping, cable laying and resource extraction.
The treaty also improves transparency and encourages scientific cooperation. It also mandates the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.
‘Protecting our oceans is vital in the fight against the loss of nature. This landmark High Seas Treaty will help to protect marine life in vast areas of international waters from the combined threats of climate change, overfishing, seabed mining and pollution, and contribute towards the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 – [as agreed by 196 countries under the Global Biodiversity Framework].
‘It will serve as a framework for the designation of Marine Protected Areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction – including ‘blue corridors’ for our amazing migratory species like whales, sharks, dolphins, tuna and sea turtles. By better regulating commercial activities, it will also help safeguard vulnerable deep-sea species.’
ROD DOWNIE
Chief advisor for Polar and Oceans at WWF-UK
The High Seas Treaty, also known as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or ‘BBNJ’.
It was adopted in June 2023 and reached the threshold of 60 ratifications in September 2025 required to allow it to enter into force in January 2026.
It has now been ratified by more than 80 countries and the first Conference of the Parties, or ‘COP’, is expected to be held later this year.
‘The time has come for all states and ocean users to truly collaborate to safeguard our ocean – only through placing ocean health at the heart of fisheries, shipping and other ocean uses will marine life and ecosystem services be conserved for future generations.
‘Now ocean industries must work together with biodiversity experts to integrate scientific advice into decision making around fishing levels and methods, and shipping routes, for example, to ensure marine life can thrive.
‘WWF is thrilled to see the treaty come to life and we are ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure the treaty’s objective is fulfilled.’
JESSICA BATTLE
WWF’s senior Global Ocean Governance and Policy expert
The high seas are vital for biodiversity, food security and the global economy, supporting important fisheries and global shipping.
Protecting the ocean is also critical for climate stability. The ocean has mitigated climate change impacts by absorbing about 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions and 25% of carbon dioxide emissions.
71Blue joins Fish Free February to uncover overlooked pressures on our ocean and inspire meaningful action.
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