Joint media release: Australia ratifies landmark ocean treaty
Australia joins more than 90 countries in protecting and sustainably managing the ocean in areas outside national maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones under the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty (also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or BBNJ Treaty). Australia was one of the first countries to sign the treaty in 2023. Legislation passed the Parliament this March, allowing it to be formally ratified.
The milestone is being celebrated today after Australia’s instrument of ratification was deposited overnight during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. Ratification will allow Australia to participate directly in decisions on shared areas. This could include the establishment of new high seas marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments of proposed activities and the sustainable management of shared marine resources – measures never before possible on the high seas.
As a Treaty member, Australia will work closely with regional neighbours to prepare the first generation of high seas marine protected area proposals. These will be critical to international efforts to achieve the global target of conserving 30 per cent of the world's ocean by 2030 to support marine biodiversity. Domestically, Australia maintains one of the world’s largest representative systems of marine protected areas, covering 52 per cent of our waters.
Work is underway to increase the proportion of highly protected marine park zones to at least 30 per cent by 2030. More information about the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty is available here: High seas biodiversity - DCCEEW Meanwhile, the Albanese Government has also released Australia’s first Sustainable Ocean Plan this week. The Plan provides a national blueprint for ocean stewardship with input from governments and interest groups, addressing key challenges, improving sustainability and supporting the growth of Australia’s $229 billion ocean economy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong: “Australia’s ocean stewardship is built on the same principles that guide our regional partnerships – respect for international law, shared responsibility, and practical cooperation to tackle challenges no nation can solve alone. “By ratifying this Treaty, Australia can help shape new high seas protections, building on our management of one of the world's largest marine park networks and strengthening the way we safeguard ocean ecosystems.
“Healthy oceans keep our economy strong and our food supply secure. They are the lifeblood of a sustainable future for every Australian.” Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt: “The high seas cover more than half of the planet, yet only around 1 per cent is protected, leaving the ocean open to unsustainable exploitation. “Sustainably managing our ocean at home and on the high seas supports our ocean health, livelihoods, communities, national security and our climate future.
“In Australian waters more than half of our maritime jurisdiction is now protected through our marine parks network, including 2.2 million square kilometres in highly protected areas, and that number continues to grow. “But what happens on the high seas has a direct impact on Australia’s ocean and the industries that depend on it, such as tourism and fisheries.
That’s why the Albanese Government is committed to working with other Treaty countries to protect marine areas.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.