Ocean treaty “a landmark victory” for the high seasIt’s been almost two decades in the making, but this week a global treaty to protect the world’s high seas finally became a reality, bringing hope for marine ecosystems and the people who rely on them. Scientists, campaigners and coastal communities around the world have long lobbied for the conservation of international waters, less than 1% of which are fully protected. This week, the Global Ocean Treaty, which was signed by 84 countries in 2023, passed the threshold to become law after more than 60 nations formally ratified it. “This is the most significant victory for ocean protection and restoration I have ever witnessed,” said Ariana Densham, a senior campaigner at Greenpeace. If fully implemented, the treaty could establish the largest network of ocean sanctuaries in history, Greenpeace said.