The Ocean Life Treaty entered into force on January 17, 2026.
By Poland introduced a ro-ro service to Sweden on the green maritime corridor with the modern, eco-friendly ferry Jantar Unity when the treaty on the protection of ocean life entered into force on January 17, 2026. The Treaty on the Global Protection of Ocean Life in International Waters entered into force on the day the Jantar Unity was christened at Wały Chrobrego in Szczecin. Poland brought an eco-friendly ferry to the Baltic Sea, which is closely aligned with the protection of the marine environment and the sustainable use and management of marine resources on the high seas.
On January 17, 2026, the “United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction” entered into force. The treaty concerns the conservation of marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the exploitation of resources of the sea and seabed, coastlines, and water bodies.
The treaty emphasizes the use of effective measures and tools for managing water bodies, including more effective protection of marine protected areas. To this end, adequate funding will be provided to conduct realistic assessments of the impact of human activity and climate change on the environment in threatened waters. The UN also intends to continue to support, on a broader scale than before, the development of scientific capacity in marine research and the use of the latest technologies for monitoring, monitoring, and protecting marine fauna and flora.
The greatest damage to the marine and ocean environment is caused by humans and their economic and recreational activities. Dumping garbage, chemicals, and fertilizers into the sea via rivers and sewage systems is as common as daily flushing of water down the drain. Marine poaching is virtually rampant, and its scale is known thanks to satellite observations and calculations using artificial intelligence, which precisely report the tons of illegally caught fish transferred in ports or transshipped by ship. Sea tourists and sailors in plastic boats reach the most protected corners of the globe and, until recently, untouched islands.
The rapidly growing cruise and merchant fleets have been polluting the marine environment with waste, noise, and light for years. In this latter case, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been striving for years to regulate ship navigation conditions to minimize environmental damage to the seas and oceans. Unfortunately, maritime law often lags significantly behind the expectations and needs arising from the introduction of increasingly larger ships – a point repeatedly highlighted by Professor Zdzisław Brodecki at numerous conferences devoted to the law of the sea and its effectiveness.
Protecting the Vulnerable
After many years of negotiations, the treaty was finalized in March 2023. It did not fully satisfy all parties, but it strongly supported the protection of island states’ waters. They had strong arguments for protecting the marine environment, but unfortunately, weak bargaining power. However, the treaty was refined enough to clarify the criteria for ocean protection and find solutions that would allow for the sustainable use of ocean resources.
The agreement could only enter into force when 60 states had ratified. This requirement was achieved on September 19, 2025. Experts praise the agreement as a “turning point” for multilateral cooperation and ocean governance, but concerns remain about potential gaps.
“The entry into force of the Treaty on the High Seas is a moment of historic significance – both for the oceans and for all the people who depend on them.” This agreement opens a new phase of global ocean governance and international cooperation, offering a real opportunity for healthier and more resilient marine ecosystems and a stronger economy. This is just the beginning, so we encourage governments and businesses to work closely together to effectively implement the treaty, and for countries that have not yet ratified it to join in,” said Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF, in a press release.
The IMO also hailed the entry into force of the agreement as a milestone in the protection of the marine environment by ship operators. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez believes that the world has demonstrated that countries can unite with a shared vision and create a framework for sustainable ocean management, while ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits for all of humanity. Now we must continue working together to implement these principles. He added that the IMO stands ready to support the implementation of BBNJ within its area of expertise.
Shipping and the Marine Environment are One
The IMO reminds in a press release that ships sailing the world’s oceans are subject to strict environmental, safety, and security regulations that apply throughout their voyage. It must be acknowledged that IMO bodies are very active in developing regulations related to the safety of human use of the sea. IMO institutions have developed over 50 legal regulations, treaties, and other documents governing the sustainable use of the oceans by shipping. Furthermore, following the issuance of these documents, a system of control for the flag state, coastal state, and port state has also been established.
Among the many IMO regulations that actively contribute to the protection of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction are the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the International Convention on Ballast Water Management, which aims to prevent the transfer of potentially invasive aquatic species between different waters. The London Protocol and the Convention, which regulate the disposal of waste at sea, are also important in environmental protection.
Recommendations limiting “biofouling” play a significant role in environmental protection. This is biopollution “spread” by ships traveling on ocean routes. On the one hand, the aim is to avoid the transfer of marine organisms (algae, crustaceans, microorganisms) on the underwater parts of ships’ hulls. On the other hand, it is recommended to remove these organisms because they increase floating resistance, fuel consumption (by up to 25%), and greenhouse gas emissions. The IMO Biofouling Guidelines are guidelines of the International Maritime Organization, which are constantly being refined.
Before the UN guidelines were ratified, the IMO adopted numerous measures to protect the oceans. The IMO has designated areas known as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs), as well as Special Areas and Emission Control Areas. These areas offer the highest level of environmental protection against pollution. Very stringent regulations are in place to prevent marine pollution. The IMO has also issued guidelines for protecting marine life from underwater noise generated by ships. The situation is more challenging when it comes to light pollution.