On January 17 2026, a new international agreement on marine biodiversity came into force. There are good reasons for New Zealand to ratify this agreement but we have yet to do so. As a result, we risk missing out on a seat at the table when decisions are made about protecting marine life in the world’s oceans.
It’s called the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), although often referred to colloquially as the High Seas Treaty. It was finalised in early 2023 but required 60 countries to ratify it before entering into force.
Original Article: NZ risks being left high and dry as High Seas Treaty enters into force
