Nations ratify historic treaty to protect international waters

The world's first treaty to protect international waters will take effect early next year after Morocco became the 60th nation to ratify it. This landmark agreement establishes the first legal framework for safeguarding marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which constitute nearly two-thirds of the ocean. Despite ratification, the treaty's effectiveness hinges on broader adoption, as major maritime nations like the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan have not yet ratified, and implementation details are still being developed.