High Seas Treaty Enters into Force

Summary. The world's first legally binding agreement to protect marine life in international waters has taken effect, meaning it is now binding international law for the countries and parties that have ratified it. The treaty creates the first framework for establishing Marine Protected Areas on the high seas, which make up about two-thirds of the world's ocean. Currently, only around 1% of these international waters are protected. Now, ratifying countries must begin working together on ocean science and technology as well as helping developing nations to build capacity to participate in ocean governance.