28 Feb 2026 : High Seas Treaty

Article 3: High Seas Treaty

Why in news: The High Seas Treaty is in news as more countries move toward ratification, bringing it closer to entry into force and strengthening global efforts to conserve marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.

Key Details

• The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement, 2023) was adopted under the United Nations to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• It complements UNCLOS (1982) and covers nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
• Enables creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to achieve the 30x30 conservation target.
• Mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for high seas activities.
• Ensures equitable sharing of marine genetic resources and supports capacity building for developing countries.

About High Seas Treaty

• The High Seas Treaty is a landmark international agreement adopted under the framework of the United Nationsin 2023.
• Officially titled the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, it aims to protect marine life in areas beyond national boundaries.
• It complements the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Covers nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans, known as the high seas.

Why the Treaty Was Needed

• High seas account for nearly 95% of ocean volume but lacked a comprehensive biodiversity protection framework.
• Increasing threats:
  • Overfishing and illegal fishing
  • Deep-sea mining
  • Marine pollution and plastic waste
  • Climate change impacts (warming & acidification)
• Fragmented governance under multiple sectoral bodies created regulatory gaps.

Core Objectives

• Ensure conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity.
• Establish a legal framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas.
• Regulate access to and sharing of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs).
• Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for high seas activities.
• Promote capacity building and technology transfer for developing countries.

Key Provisions

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• Allows countries to designate MPAs in international waters.
• Aims to protect at least 30% of oceans by 2030 (30x30 target).
• Decisions taken through a Conference of Parties (COP) mechanism.

Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs)

• Regulates access to genetic material from marine organisms.
• Ensures fair and equitable benefit-sharing, especially for developing nations.
• Addresses concerns over monopolisation by technologically advanced countries.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

• Mandatory EIAs for activities that may cause significant harm.
• Enhances transparency and scientific scrutiny before exploitation.

Capacity Building & Technology Transfer

• Supports developing countries with:
  • Marine research infrastructure
  • Data-sharing mechanisms
  • Scientific training
• Promotes equitable participation in ocean governance.

Institutional Framework

• Establishes:
  • A Conference of Parties (COP) for decision-making
  • A Scientific and Technical Body
  • A Secretariat
• Encourages cooperation with regional fisheries and maritime organisations.

Significance for India

• India, as a maritime nation with a vast coastline and blue economy ambitions, benefits from:
  • Stronger global ocean governance
  • Protection of marine biodiversity
  • Access to marine genetic resources
• Aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action.

Challenges and Concerns

• Balancing conservation vs commercial interests (fishing, mining, shipping).
• Enforcement in international waters remains complex.
• Need for ratification by at least 60 countries for entry into force.
• Potential geopolitical competition over deep-sea resources.

Way Forward

• Early ratification and domestic legal alignment.
• Strengthening marine scientific research collaboration.
• Enhancing monitoring using satellite and digital tracking systems.
• Integrating treaty goals with the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) framework.

Conclusion

The High Seas Treaty marks a historic step toward strengthening global ocean governance and conserving biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. By enabling marine protected areas, regulating genetic resources, and mandating environmental impact assessments, it fills long-standing legal gaps under UNCLOS. However, its success will depend on timely ratification, effective enforcement, and genuine international cooperation to balance conservation with sustainable use.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR PRELIMS:

Consider the following statements regarding the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement):

1. It was adopted under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. It applies to marine areas within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of coastal states.
3. It provides for the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a