High Seas Treaty Takes Force: What You Need to Know( continued from page 2)
Who Ratified the Agreement? As of March 24, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement has been ratified by 86 parties. Countries that ratified the BBNJ Agreement include China, Germany, Japan, France, and Brazil.
The United States signed the BBNJ Agreement in 2023 but has not ratified it. Notably, on January 21, 2026, the U. S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finalized a rule that will expedite the permit and license application process for deep-seabed mining and allow companies to mine beyond U. S. jurisdictional boundaries. While the BBNJ Agreement was not among the United Nations(“ U. N.”) conventions and treaties from which the Trump administration announced the United States would withdraw, ratification of the BBNJ Agreement by the U. S. remains unlikely.
Conclusion The BBNJ Agreement marks a significant milestone in management of the high seas, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for ocean areas beyond national jurisdictions. By filling key gaps in regulation and international cooperation, the BBNJ Agreement provides a solid pathway toward conserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of the oceans. The ultimate success of the BBNJ Agreement will depend on widespread ratification and the diligent work of the parties to translate its ambitious goals into effective action, preserving the high seas for generations to come.
p – 2026 BLANK ROME LLP
Next Steps To prepare for the treaty’ s implementation, the U. N. General Assembly created a Preparatory Commission that met in April and August 2025. A third session occurred earlier this month, where the Commission continued discussions on governance, financing, and monitoring mechanisms. The door remains open for more countries to ratify, which will make the BBNJ Agreement more effective.
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