The Albanese Government has formally ratified a landmark international treaty to protect the ocean beyond our country’s maritime borders, marking a new era of world ocean conservation.
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.
As at 24 September 2026.
