High Seas Alliance – Protecting the High Seas

Founded in 2011, the High Seas Alliance is a global partnership of more than 70 non-governmental organizations working together to protect marine life in international waters.The high seas cover nearly half of our planet and lie beyond the national jurisdiction of individual countries. These vast waters are home to extraordinary marine biodiversity, including whales, sharks, sea turtles, seabirds and unique deep-sea ecosystems.Yet much of this ocean remains vulnerable to overfishing, climate change, pollution and other destructive human activities.

A Historic Victory for Ocean Protection

The High Seas Alliance played a leading role in the international negotiations that resulted in the United Nations High Seas Treaty, formally known as the BBNJ Agreement.Adopted in June 2023, the treaty officially entered into force on January 17, 2026, creating a new legal framework for protecting marine biodiversity beyond national borders. This historic achievement marks a turning point in global ocean conservation.

Turning Agreements into Real Protection

With the treaty now in force, the Alliance is working to ensure that governments translate international commitments into meaningful action. Its priorities include establishing marine protected areas on the high seas, strengthening environmental impact assessments and supporting effective implementation of the treaty. The Alliance also advocates for the global goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Uniting Organizations and Governments

By bringing together conservation organizations, scientists, policymakers and civil society, the High Seas Alliance creates a powerful international voice for ocean protection. Its campaigns, scientific briefings and public engagement initiatives help governments understand the urgency of protecting international waters.

A Future for Marine Life

The High Seas Alliance believes that the ocean beyond national borders must be managed as a shared global responsibility. By transforming international cooperation into effective conservation measures, the Alliance is helping create a future where marine wildlife and deep-sea ecosystems can recover and thrive.

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