We did it! More than sixty governments have now ratified the Global Ocean Treaty, a crucial milestone for protecting the ocean. While a lot of work is still upon us, let’s take a moment to celebrate!
The very first Greenpeace briefing on the need for an ocean treaty was written back in 2005. Since then, campaigners, scientists, Indigenous communities, and countless other organisations on every continent have worked tirelessly to build momentum. Even ocean-dependent businesses joined the call to make certain corners of our blue planet off limits.
Over the years, millions of you have spoken up for ocean protection. You’ve signed petitions, marched in the streets, lobbied governments, pressured fishing companies and supermarket chains, and shared your love for the sea in ways that helped push world leaders towards agreement. To everyone who took action, however you did it: thank you. This win belongs to all of us.
Why does the Global Ocean Treaty matter?
The oceans are in crisis. Less than 1% of the high seas are fully or highly protected, meaning they remain vulnerable to industrial fishing, increased shipping, oil drilling, and, maybe soon, even deep sea mining.
The Global Ocean Treaty has the power to change everything. For the first time, governments have a legal framework to create ocean sanctuaries in the high seas – vast protected areas outside of any country’s national waters, where fragile ecosystems can recover and thrive. If fully implemented, the Treaty could enable the creation of the largest network of ocean sanctuaries in history, covering over a third of our global oceans.
It’s incredible to think that half of all biodiversity on Earth lives in the ocean. The Earth is more blue than green, but so much of that life remains hidden beneath the waves. We’re only beginning to understand the deep ocean’s importance. Seamounts – underwater mountains scattered across the High Seas – may act as signposts for migratory birds, and the deep sea probably plays a role in oxygen production.
Ocean sanctuaries aren’t just about allowing wildlife to recover, they’re crucial to helping us tackle the climate crisis, and for safeguarding food security for billions of people.
A message to the Canadian government
Disappointingly, Canada was not among the first 60 countries to ratify the Treaty, though they did sign on. With 120 days until the Treaty enters into force, Canada can still ratify in time for the very first Ocean COP. We want Canada to have a seat at the table, and to champion ambitious proposals for the first generation of ocean sanctuaries, including the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic.
World governments have committed to protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030. To achieve this, they will need to put more than 12 million square kilometres of the high seas – an area bigger than Canada – off limits to destructive activity, every single year until then. It’s an enormous task, and the clock is ticking.
At the first Ocean COP, nations will finally be able to propose sanctuaries under the Treaty. These must be grounded in science, shaped with the participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and ensure full protection from harmful industries.
We know ocean sanctuaries are the solution
We don’t need to imagine what fully protected sanctuaries could achieve. The Galápagos Marine Reserve was established more than two decades ago and expanded in 2022. It’s an incredible living showcase of how ocean sanctuaries can help wildlife bounce back when given space and protection.
Sharks, turtles, and manta rays are returning and fish stocks have recovered, spilling over into surrounding waters and supporting local fishers. Coral reefs and ecosystems are thriving there – proof that when destructive industries are kept out, marine life can rebound quickly.
If one sanctuary around a single island chain can deliver such hope and abundance, imagine what a whole network of sanctuaries across vast stretches of international waters could do.
Together, we celebrate, and then carry on
Campaigners, coastal communities, small-scale fishers, scientists, and ocean lovers everywhere can hold on to this moment as proof that when millions of voices demand change, we can achieve what once seemed like a distant dream.
Let’s celebrate… and then continue the fight again! Let’s hold our governments accountable to protect ocean biodiversity and stop emerging threats like deep-sea mining, before they start.
The Global Ocean Treaty needs 60 countries to sign it into Law by 2025. Sign the petition to ensure Canada is one of them!
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