A historic momentWhen the Global Ocean Treaty was agreed in 2023, it was hailed as historic. It now gives countries the tools to expand ocean protection through marine protected areas beyond their borders. But when it came, the billions of people whose lives depend on the ocean had something else to celebrate: hope. Other multilateral fora such as the ongoing quest for a strong Global Plastics Treaty will be watching the way in which governments apply the Global Ocean Treaty keenly. Some countries have signed and not ratified – but all countries now need to set the tempo and propose first High Seas sanctuaries.

Source: International New York Times January 16, 2026 10:16 UTC