Good news for the ocean happened this week! The High Seas Treaty has officially been ratified. It’s the first legally binding international agreement to govern the high seas — the two thirds of the ocean that lie beyond national borders. This changes everything. For too long, this vast area had no real governance. It was a free for all, leaving ecosystems vulnerable to unregulated exploitation. But just in time for Climate Week in NYC, 60 countries ratified the treaty, meaning it will take effect in January 2026. The treaty gives the world new tools to protect the high seas. We can create large marine protected areas, require environmental reviews before industries move in, expand countries’ access to knowledge and technology, and ensure ocean resources are shared equitably. It will also help deliver global goals like protecting 30% of Earth by 2030. This historic step wouldn’t have been possible without decades of tireless work from the highseasalliance, but the work’s not finishe...