Ottawa, Canada – According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), a significant step forward has been taken in the international effort to protect marine biodiversity through a recent agreement under the High Seas Treaty. On July 16, 2025, Canada announced its commitment to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, a landmark treaty aimed at conserving marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. This agreement, adopted by the United Nations in 2023, seeks to address critical gaps in ocean governance by establishing frameworks for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and the equitable sharing of marine genetic resources. Canada’s ratification of this treaty underscores its dedication to global marine conservation, ocean protection, biodiversity, sustainability, wildlife, environment, and international cooperation.
The BBNJ Agreement is a pivotal instrument for protecting marine ecosystems in the high seas, regions that have historically been vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction due to limited regulatory oversight. Fisheries and Oceans Canada emphasized that the treaty will enable the creation of large-scale marine protected areas, which are essential for safeguarding critical habitats and species that traverse international waters. This is particularly significant for migratory species such as whales, sharks, and seabirds, which rely on vast oceanic ranges for survival. Canada’s involvement in this treaty aligns with its broader commitment to protecting 30 percent of its land and marine areas by 2030, a target set under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Under the agreement, Canada will collaborate with other signatory nations to conduct environmental impact assessments for activities in the high seas, ensuring that potential harms to marine ecosystems are identified and mitigated. Additionally, the treaty promotes the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources, which are increasingly important for scientific research and biotechnology. This provision aims to prevent exploitation and ensure that benefits are accessible to developing nations, fostering global equity in ocean resource management. The DFO highlighted that Canada’s expertise in marine science and sustainable fisheries management will play a key role in implementing these measures.
Canada’s ratification comes at a crucial time, as the high seas face mounting pressures from climate change, deep-sea mining, and unsustainable fishing practices. The DFO noted that warming ocean temperatures and acidification are already impacting marine biodiversity, with cascading effects on global food security and coastal communities. By supporting the BBNJ Agreement, Canada is positioning itself as a leader in addressing these challenges through international collaboration. The treaty’s framework is expected to enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, ensuring that activities in the high seas are conducted responsibly.
To illustrate the importance of this initiative, consider the case of the North Atlantic right whale, a critically endangered species whose migratory routes span international waters. Protecting key habitats in the high seas through marine protected areas under the BBNJ Agreement could provide safer corridors for these whales, reducing risks from shipping and fishing activities. This example underscores how targeted conservation efforts can yield tangible benefits for specific species while contributing to broader ecosystem health.
Furthermore, a striking data point from the DFO’s announcement reveals the scale of the challenge: the high seas cover approximately 60 percent of the Earth’s surface, yet less than 1 percent of these areas are currently protected. This statistic highlights the urgency of international agreements like the BBNJ to close the protection gap and safeguard marine biodiversity for future generations. Canada’s commitment is a call to action for other nations to ratify the treaty, as collective effort is essential for its success.
The road ahead involves detailed planning and coordination with international partners to operationalize the treaty’s provisions. Canada has pledged to work through forums like the United Nations to develop guidelines for marine protected areas and ensure compliance with environmental standards. The DFO also plans to engage Indigenous communities and stakeholders in shaping policies that reflect diverse perspectives on ocean stewardship. This inclusive approach is expected to strengthen the treaty’s implementation by grounding it in local knowledge and priorities.
Canada’s ratification of the BBNJ Agreement marks a historic moment in the global fight to protect the world’s oceans. As pressures on marine ecosystems intensify, such international agreements provide a critical framework for balancing conservation with sustainable use. With its vast coastline and deep ties to the ocean, Canada is well-positioned to lead by example, demonstrating how nations can unite to address shared environmental challenges. For more information, visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).