UK passes High Seas Treaty law on marine genetic resources
UK’s High Seas Treaty law gains Royal Assent, adding 7‑month notice, 11‑month reporting and new EIA triggers for high‑se...
The UK has turned intent into statute. On 12 February 2026, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Act received Royal Assent, creating the legal scaffolding for the UK to implement the UN High Seas Treaty at home. The treaty itself entered into force on 17 January 2026 after reaching 60 ratifications, setting the global rules of the road for conserving biodiversity in waters beyond national jurisdiction. (defraenvironment.blog.gov.uk)
Why this matters is simple: most of the ocean lies offshore of any state’s control. UK Parliament’s Library notes areas beyond national jurisdiction cover about 61% of the ocean’s surface and 73% of its volume-habitats that underpin climate stability, fisheries and migratory wildlife. With the treaty now live, the UK’s Act moves from speeches to systems. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
For UK-led expeditions collecting marine genetic resources (MGRs) on the high seas, the Act sets a clear clock. Lead scientists must file pre‑collection details with the...