UK Introduces Landmark Bill to Safeguard Oceans

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The UK government has taken a major step toward protecting global marine ecosystems by introducing new legislation that will help protect two-thirds of the world’s oceans. The bill, unveiled on 10 September, transforms the UK’s earlier commitment to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, into concrete action.

Signed in 2023, the treaty is the first international legal mechanism to establish protected zones in areas of the ocean beyond national borders. These areas, which cover nearly half the planet, have long been vulnerable to overfishing, climate change, and pollution. With the new legislation, the UK moves closer to ratifying the treaty and ensuring that marine life, from whales and sharks to sea turtles, is given stronger protections.

Securing Food, Oxygen, and Climate Goals

The ocean provides around half of the world’s oxygen and serves as a vital source of food for billions of people. By supporting the BBNJ Agreement through domestic legislation, the UK government is aligning with its Plan for Change, which seeks to bolster national food security and protect biodiversity.

Marine Minister Emma Hardy underscored the urgency of the move, warning that unchecked exploitation risks irreversible damage. Parliamentary Under-Secretary Minister Malhotra echoed the concern, pointing to the combined pressures of unsustainable fishing, global warming, and pollution. Both leaders stressed that the treaty will help the UK deliver on the international pledge to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, a key target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

A Global Step for Ocean Governance

Beyond conservation, the treaty also introduces a fair system for sharing the benefits of research on marine genetic resources, which could support advances in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. By introducing the BBNJ Bill in Parliament, the UK reinforces the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the foundation for international cooperation on ocean governance.

Once the bill is passed, additional secondary legislation will follow before full ratification. This positions the UK as a leading voice in global ocean protection, ensuring the seas can thrive for future generations.