Australia joins effort to protect the high seas
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Australia ratified the High Seas Treaty, giving the country a role in managing shared ocean resources and creating protected areas.
In 2023, Australia initially signed the Treaty, and legislation passed through parliament in March 2026 to allow for formal ratification. This action enables Australia to participate in establishing new marine protected areas on the high seas and sustainably manage resources there.
A recent report from the Campaign for Nature and Together for the Ocean found existing ocean protection commitments are insufficient. Australia already protects 52% of its own waters and plans to increase highly protected zones by at least 30% by 2030. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong explained that Australia’s approach to ocean stewardship relies on international law, shared responsibility, and cooperation.
Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt noted that the high seas represent over half the planet, but only about 1% is currently protected. The country hopes this treaty will help reach the goal of conserving 30% of the ocean by 2030, and also benefit Australia’s tourism and fisheries industries. The United Kingdom also ratified the treaty in July.
