The BBNJ Agreement marks a watershed moment for global ocean governance, covering approximately 61% of the ocean's surface. The Global Maritime Accord (GMA) provides the integrated blueprint for its implementation.
of the ocean's surface is beyond national jurisdiction
Signatories
Pillars of BBNJ
The entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on January 17, 2026, marks a watershed moment for global ocean governance. Often referred to as the "High Seas Treaty," this agreement provides the legal foundation for conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).
As scholars Dawang Cao, Zhengkai Mao, Zhijun Zhang, and Huirong Liu have noted, "The text of the Agreement provides an exceptional framework, but it remains an empty shell until it is infused with political engagement, financial resources, and robust institutional practices from all parties."
The Global Maritime Accord (GMA) is designed to fill this critical implementation gap, providing the first integrated and coordinated approach towards the harmonized administration and governance of the oceans, especially Areas Beyond National Boundaries.
The GMA's governance blueprint directly operationalizes the four pillars of the BBNJ Agreement:
Operationalized through the GMA Governance Blueprint
Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources in ABNJ
Marine protected areas and other spatial management measures
Systematic evaluation of potential environmental effects of activities
Technology transfer and institutional capacity development
Where the BBNJ Agreement establishes the "what"—the objectives and legal obligations—the GMA establishes the "how"—the practical structures, processes, and collaboration mechanisms needed to achieve those objectives.
The GMA addresses the institutional overlap and fragmentation in ABNJ governance by providing a holistic framework that integrates the governance of living and non-living resources. It builds on existing governance tools—such as marine protected areas, fishing closures to protect Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, and Areas of Particular Environmental Interest for deep-sea mining—while creating a harmonized approach to their designation and management.
How the GMA bridges the gap between treaty and practice
The high seas and international seabed are governed by different legal regimes, creating potential jurisdictional conflicts and coordination challenges.
Provides a holistic framework integrating living and non-living resource governance in ABNJ.
The innovative financial mechanism lacks predictable, adequate, and verifiable "new and additional" funding for implementation.
Complements existing mechanisms with institutional architecture and coordination for effective implementation.
The hybrid architecture of facilitative compliance mechanisms and adjudicative dispute settlement faces inherent challenges.
Establishes clear enforcement pathways and dispute resolution mechanisms.
The GMAA is an initiative led by the Liechtenstein Institute for Strategic Development for the Society of Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Studies (SAMDeS), with Sai University, global ALLIES, The Trebuchet, Tufts University, and the International Military Council on Climate and Security.
Members of the Accord development effort include oceanographers, lawyers, environmentalists, diplomats and naval security experts from Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Germany, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Kenya, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Learn More About GMAAFor ocean and climate policy innovators, researchers and media
Actions to Protect the Deep Ocean, Fight the Plastics Scourge and End Overfishing
Key challenges for ocean health
World Ocean Day
24 January 2024
Avoiding the Dangers of Seabed Mining | 26 October 2023
Can the law save our seas? | 28 July 2023
Canada is actively engaged in advancing global marine conservation targets, including through ratification and implementation of the BBNJ treaty. Key priorities include:
United Nations, FAO, WTO, IUCN, CITES
Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, Coast Guard Fora
Canada-US Fisheries Treaties, Cooperation with Norway and Denmark
G7, G20, Commonwealth, Arctic Council, High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
An integrated framework for ocean stewardship
The "What" – Objectives and legal obligations
The "How" – Practical structures, processes, and collaboration
Tangible, enforceable ocean stewardship
The BBNJ Agreement and GMA represent a historic opportunity to safeguard 61% of our ocean. Be part of the solution.