The Marine Biological Association (MBA) welcomes the news that the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement has now become UK law, having received Royal Assent. This marks the completion of the UK legislative process required to ratify and implement the landmark High Seas Treaty.

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) welcomes the news that the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement has now become UK law, having received Royal Assent. This marks the completion of the UK legislative process required to ratify and implement the landmark High Seas Treaty.

With the passing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, the UK can now formally implement the international BBNJ Agreement – a global treaty designed to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which encompass almost two‑thirds of the global ocean.

The Agreement, which entered into force globally on 17 January 2026 after reaching the required ratification threshold in September 2025, establishes the first comprehensive legal framework for protecting biodiversity in international waters. It supports four major areas of action: