The ratification race is on

In June 2023, governments adopted the High Seas Treaty to protect ocean life. We need to fast-track its ratification, so it becomes law. 

The Treaty opened for State signatures on 20 September 2023. By signing countries indicate their willingness to ratify and formally consent to the new international law. On the 4th of March 2024 Canada signed the High Seas Treaty but has not ratified it yet. 

Once 60 countries sign and ratify, the Treaty will enter into force, enabling stronger international efforts to protect our ocean, mitigate climate change, and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people worldwide. 

The 3rd UN Ocean Conference is in June 2025. This would be a perfect time to meet the goal of at least 60 countries ratifying the Treaty to accelerate actions to preserve biodiversity beyond borders and combat climate change.  

The clock is ticking! UN Member States need to sign (or accede), and ratify the High Seas Treaty, in most cases after taking necessary steps through their own domestic legal processes. The 60th country to ratify will start a 120-day countdown, after which the Agreement will enter into force and the Treaty will become law. The global community will then be able to ramp up international action to protect our shared ocean, mitigate climate breakdown and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people.  

You can ask Canada to ratify the Treaty today.