UN Ocean Conference 2025: A Landmark for Global Ocean Stewardship
The recent United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, brought together representatives from nearly 200 nations to address the most critical challenges facing our oceans, including plastic pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices. The event marked a significant step forward in international collaboration, with substantial progress made towards ratifying the High Seas Treaty and advancing marine protection efforts.
In this article
Key Outcomes
High Seas Treaty Momentum
The conference saw a surge in support for the High Seas Treaty, a pivotal agreement designed to place 30% of the world’s international waters under protection.
Ratifications climbed from 27 to 50 countries within days, with additional nations pledging to complete ratification by year’s end—an unprecedented pace for a UN agreement.
The UK committed to initiating its ratification process before 2026, while other major nations, including the US and China, indicated their intention to follow suit.
The treaty’s rapid progress demonstrates renewed global momentum for safeguarding the high seas and underscores the importance of multilateral action.
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Advancing Marine Protection
French Polynesia announced the creation of the world’s largest marine protected area (MPA), covering 900,000 square kilometers and prohibiting extractive fishing and mining—an area four times the size of the UK.
The UK revealed plans to ban bottom trawling in nearly a third of English MPAs, a move long advocated by environmental organisations and ocean advocates.
Commitments made during the conference mean that approximately 10% of the world’s oceans now benefit from some form of protection.
Tackling Plastics and Illegal Fishing
Delegates reaffirmed their dedication to combating plastic pollution and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, recognising these as pressing threats to marine ecosystems.
China announced its ratification of the Port State Measures Agreement, signalling a significant commitment to eradicating IUU fishing on a global scale.
Global Leadership and Collaboration
The conference revitalised confidence in governments' ability to work collectively on ocean issues, following a period of stalled negotiations on biodiversity, plastics, and climate in 2024.
Influential voices, including Sir David Attenborough and international policymakers, emphasised the urgent need for leadership and robust international law to ensure the ocean’s future.
The event highlighted the interconnectedness of the ocean, reinforcing the necessity for coordinated global action and the role of technology and transparency in effective ocean governance.
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Looking Ahead
The momentum generated at UNOC 2025 signals a new era of cooperation and innovation in ocean stewardship. With the High Seas Treaty nearing the threshold for entry into force, and nations making bold commitments to marine protection and sustainable practices, the global ocean community is poised to make meaningful progress towards a resilient and thriving marine environment.
This update is provided by Oceanology International, dedicated to connecting the global ocean technology community and advancing sustainable solutions for the world’s oceans.
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Oceanology International – Connecting the global ocean technology, engineering and science communities
Oceanology International (Oi) is the global forum where the ocean industry, academia and government connect to discover innovative solutions from the ocean technology and marine science communities to improve strategies for exploring, protecting and sustainably operating in the world’s oceans and waterways. Held at ExCeL London, Oi brings together ocean professionals, facilitates ocean connections and showcases ocean innovation and technology.
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Oi exhibition and conference incorporates various events and features, including:
- OceanICT – A smarter, more sustainable ocean through connectivity
Co-located alongside Oi, OceanICT helps connect AI, communications, satellite, IT and IOT solutions providers with key ocean- and water-based end user sectors from around the world. - Catch the Next Wave – Innovation at the ocean-climate nexus
Returning in 2026 for its 7th edition, the Catch the Next Wave conference pairs speakers from within and outside of the ocean community, with the aim of sparking new thinking and ideas across disciplinary boundaries and between sectors. The special edition at Oi26 will focus on the climate and biodiversity crisis. It will take a futuristic look at how key areas of rapidly evolving technology might contribute to innovative solutions at the ocean-climate nexus, helping to achieve net zero and beyond, at the same time as supporting the restoration of the Earth’s essential biodiversity and ecosystem services. - Ocean Futures – Meeting future ocean technology needs
Thought leaders from industry, academia and government come together to discuss meeting future ocean technology needs in line with market developments and new ocean enterprise strategies. Held in the keynote Ocean Futures Theatre within Oi, it features panel discussions and strategic debates on topics including Transitioning the Ocean Economy, Sustainable Offshore Operations, BlueTech Investment and Future Talent/Careers.
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