2025 is a Pivotal Year for the World’s Oceans

Key Impact Points:

• Critical deadlines loom for ocean treaties, including ratification of the High Seas Treaty and finalization of a Global Plastics Treaty.
• The WTO must secure 22 more ratifications for its fisheries subsidy agreement to enter into force.
• A packed 2025 calendar — from the UN Ocean Conference to COP30 — could define the future of sustainable ocean governance.

The Ocean Faces a Make-or-Break Year

The world’s oceans are under intense pressure — from climate-fueled heatwaves to ecosystem collapse and rising plastic waste. SDG14, the goal to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans,” has received the least financial support and lags far behind progress targets.

2025 is not just another year — it’s a tipping point. Global ocean commitments made over the past decade are due for delivery, and a slate of diplomatic deadlines, international summits, and treaty negotiations will decide whether humanity turns the tide.

“2025 is a bellwether year for the ocean,” the World Resources Institute writes. “It’s one of deadlines and milestones. It brings both the pressure and the potential to be transformative for ocean governance, conservation and sustainable development.”

1. High Seas Treaty Awaits Ratification

The UN’s Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction — known as the High Seas Treaty — is the first to offer a governance framework for the 61% of ocean waters outside national control.

The treaty was adopted in 2023 after two decades of negotiations. With 106 countries signed on and 15 ratified, the push is now on to reach 60 ratifications in time for the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in June.

France and Costa Rica, as conference co-hosts, are leading efforts to make UNOC the turning point.

2. WTO’s Fisheries Subsidy Reform on the Line

The World Trade Organization’s “Fish One” agreement targets subsidies that drive illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. But it can’t take effect without ratification by two-thirds of WTO members — 111 in total.

As of early 2025, 89 members have ratified. The remaining 22 are now a top priority for advocates.

Negotiations will also continue on “Fish Two” — focused on broader subsidy reforms like fuel and vessel construction — where securing developing countries’ support remains key.

3. A Make-Or-Break Year for the Global Plastics Treaty

Plastic pollution accounts for 80% of marine litter, with up to 10 million metric tons entering the ocean annually.

The Global Plastics Treaty aims to tackle the full lifecycle of plastic, from production to disposal. A “High Ambition Coalition” of over 100 countries is pushing for binding measures to reduce virgin plastic and eliminate harmful chemicals. But oil-producing nations remain resistant, favoring waste management over production caps.

With negotiations extended into 2025, hopes remain high for a final agreement.

4. Deep-Sea Mining Rules in the Spotlight

In July, the International Seabed Authority will gather in Kingston, Jamaica, for its 30th session to finalize deep-sea mining regulations.

The stakes are high: While deep-sea mining could unlock valuable minerals, its risks to marine life remain poorly understood. Scientific and civil society groups are urging caution amid rising commercial interest.

5. EU Ocean Pact to Debut at UNOC

The European Commission will present the EU Ocean Pact — a new political commitment to protect marine ecosystems — during the UNOC summit in June.

The Pact is based on extensive stakeholder feedback and will be part of the broader Nice Ocean Action Plan.

6. High-Stakes Events Across 2025

Our Ocean Conference
Busan, South Korea | April 28–30
Marking its 10th anniversary, OOC will review over 2,600 commitments worth $140 billion since 2014. WRI will lead a review of progress made so far.

UN Ocean Conference (UNOC)
Nice, France | June 9–13
The centerpiece of 2025’s ocean diplomacy. Expected outcomes: ratification of the High Seas Treaty, launch of the Nice Ocean Action Plan, and key finance and science initiatives.

Pre-UNOC events include:

• One Ocean Science Congress — guiding policies with science
• Coastal Resilience Summit — city-led action on sea level rise
• Blue Economy & Finance Forum — investment for a sustainable ocean economy

IUCN Congress
Abu Dhabi, UAE | October 9–15
The world’s largest nature conservation summit, addressing marine biodiversity, overfishing and climate impacts.

COP30
Belém, Brazil | November 10–21
The climate summit will connect forest and ocean solutions. Presidents Macron and Lula launched the “Road from Nice to Belém” initiative to align ocean commitments with global climate strategy.

Final Word: The Ocean Needs 2025 to Deliver

“By using these opportunities to advance sustainable ocean management, we can achieve transformative change that benefits people, nature and the climate,” WRI stated.

Success in 2025 depends on bold decisions and collective will — from ratifying treaties to ending harmful subsidies and investing in ocean resilience.

The world’s oceans can’t afford delay.