Trinidad and Tobago Ratifies Global Ocean Conservation Treaty

Trinidad and Tobago has officially ratified the High Seas Treaty, the first legally binding international agreement to protect the oceans beyond national jurisdiction.

High Seas Alliance announced T&T’s commitment today, stating, “Every new ratification brings us closer to truly universal participation in this landmark Agreement.”

The treaty was adopted in June 2023 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It aims to conserve marine biodiversity, promote sustainable ocean use, and mitigate climate change. It opened for signatures in September 2023 and requires at least 60 ratifications to enter into force.

The milestone was reached in September 2025, which triggered a 120-day countdown to the treaty becoming legally binding.

The High Seas Alliance reports that 85 states have now ratified the treaty. “We will aim to get universal ratification by all 193 UN Member States,” the Alliance said.

Belize became the first Caribbean nation to ratify the treaty in March 2024. The nation has since engaged with regional partners to raise awareness and momentum. The treaty provides opportunities for deep-sea research, capacity building, and technology transfer, particularly benefiting small developing countries.