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Global BBNJ Treaty Aims to Protect 30% of Oceans

1/18/2026

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Countries Ratify Ocean Treaty

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty took effect on January 17, 2026.
It provides a legal framework to address threats such as overfishing and aims to protect 30% of ocean environments by 2030.
The treaty was finalized in March 2023.
Over 80 countries have ratified it, including China, Brazil, and Japan.
It does not address seabed mining, which remains under the jurisdiction of the International Seabed Authority.

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UK Delays Ocean Treaty

The United Kingdom could be excluded from the Ocean Cop summit due to delays in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, which took effect January 17, 2026.
Environmental charities criticized the government's slow progress and urged ratification.
The High Seas Treaty is binding for 83 countries and creates a Marine Protected Areas framework, while the United States remains an observer, having signed but not ratified.

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Countries Ratify Ocean Treaty

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty took effect on January 17, 2026.
It provides a legal framework to address threats such as overfishing and aims to protect 30% of ocean environments by 2030.
The treaty was finalized in March 2023.
Over 80 countries have ratified it, including China, Brazil, and Japan.
It does not address seabed mining, which remains under the jurisdiction of the International Seabed Authority.

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