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UK’s biggest seagrass restoration project
£1.8 million initiative to restore an entire marine ecosystem and accelerate ocean recovery at scale
9 July 2026
International efforts to protect the ocean and the vital ecosystems it supports will be strengthened following the UK’s ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNJ Agreement), also known as the High Seas Treaty.
The Agreement will strengthen the protection of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean.
It establishes, for the first time, a legal mechanism to create marine protected areas on the high seas, helping to conserve vulnerable habitats and species for future generations.
The Foreign Secretary has now signed the document required for the UK to ratify the BBNJ Agreement. Yesterday (10 July), it was formally deposited with the United Nations in New York, completing the final step of the process.
Having played a leading role in shaping the Agreement over more than a decade of negotiations, the UK was among the first countries to sign it in 2023. Yesterday’s ratification marks the culmination of that commitment and enables the UK to play a full role in implementing the Agreement.
‘A constellation of ocean sanctuaries – alive with whales, turtles and coral reefs – is within reach. Our government can finally help to create connected safe havens, right across our ocean, where nature can recover and thrive, free from the devastation caused by the likes of industrial fishing and oil drilling.
‘This is the UK’s moment to reclaim its role as a global ocean leader and fight back against the destructive vessels plundering our seas for profit. The new prime minister must seize the opportunity that the High Seas Treaty brings and champion bold proposals to protect vast swathes of the ocean, as part of a promise to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. The UK government should start with the Sargasso Sea and the wider Atlantic Ocean, which surrounds our shores.’CHRIS THORNE
Senior oceans campaigner at Greenpeace UK
The ocean is a key source of the world’s food and oxygen, and healthy ocean ecosystems play a critical role in regulating the global climate.
The Agreement will help ensure the sustainable management of marine resources while supporting international action to tackle biodiversity loss.
‘The ocean is one of our planet’s greatest shared resources, supporting livelihoods, food security and biodiversity.
‘By ratifying the BBNJ Agreement, the UK is turning international ambition into action and helping to protect vulnerable marine habitats and species.
‘A healthy ocean is essential for food security and climate resilience in the UK and around the world. Today’s milestone demonstrates our commitment to protecting it for future generations.’
MINISTER MALHOTRA
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
In addition to supporting stronger protections for marine biodiversity, the Agreement establishes rules for the fair sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources. These resources have important potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture and scientific research.
The BBNJ Agreement also supports delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the global commitment to protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030, and reinforces the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the foundation of international ocean governance.
‘I’ve always believed the ocean is one of our planet’s greatest treasures, supporting nature, communities and our climate.
‘When I announced at the UN Ocean Conference last year that the UK would bring forward legislation to enable ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, I was determined that this commitment would lead to meaningful change.
‘I’m proud that the UK has now ratified this landmark Agreement. For the first time, we have the global tools to create marine protected areas beyond national jurisdictions, helping deliver our commitment to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.’
EMMA HARDY
Marine Minister
£1.8 million initiative to restore an entire marine ecosystem and accelerate ocean recovery at scale
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