26 September, 2025

This week, the “High Seas Treaty” quietly reached a historic milestone. It reached the magic number of 60 countries ratifying it, meaning it will come into force in early 2026. Heralded as the world’s first legally binding treaty to protect international waters, the deal has been two decades in the making. 

The treaty, which restricts deep-sea mining, aims to conserve biodiversity in international waters, which cover nearly half the planet’s surface and have long been a legal grey zone. It will allow for the creation of marine protected areas, mandate stronger environmental oversight, and require fairer sharing of resources. 

Beyond ocean conservation, this is a milestone for global governance too. At a time when climate talks (and actions) are slowing and geopolitical tensions dominate, this agreement serves as a reminder that multilateralism can still deliver. It also shines a light on the oceans’ critical role in climate resilience, biodiversity, and the global economy. 

For businesses, the implications are varied. Deep-sea mining, often seen as a way of securing minerals vital to EV batteries and renewables, now faces a more complex and uncertain future, with stronger governance adding to existing reputational risks. At the same time, however, opportunities may open up. Marine genetic resources, sometimes called the “blue gold” of the ocean, could be shared more equitably, fuelling innovation in biotech and pharmaceuticals. 

Companies connected to shipping, fisheries, and mineral supply chains will need to keep a close watch. The treaty doesn’t ban deep-sea mining altogether, but it raises the bar on accountability and may well tilt the balance away from exploitation and toward conservation.  

By Sirisha Venkatesh