Spatial Opportunities for High Seas Conservation Under the U.N. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty

Abstract

After 21 years, the United Nations adopted the Agreement under UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, or BBNJ Agreement, in 2023 to provide a legal framework for high seas conservation, as many species are in decline. However, Article V states the agreement will be “applied in a manner that does not undermine” relevant legal bodies, raising concerns for how this long-awaited treaty will reach targets for ocean conservation among contentious international groups. This study identifies the areas of the high seas with the least and largest number of overlapping relevant international bodies (potential low/high conflict). Results indicate a complex patchwork of governance, with the least governed areas at only 0.15% of the high seas. This emphasizes the need for improved cooperation among these institutions for future high seas conservation.