Morocco has ratified the United Nations High Seas Treaty, also known as the BBNJ agreement, creating a global framework to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, a move Spanish media say will directly affect the Strait of Gibraltar.
The treaty, which enters into force on Jan. 17, 2026, aims to safeguard 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 by regulating human activity in international waters that cover about two-thirds of the planet’s seas.
It establishes marine protected areas, mandates stricter environmental impact assessments, enhances cross-border cooperation, and ensures the fair sharing of marine genetic resources.
While the Strait of Gibraltar itself is not part of the high seas, lying between Moroccan and Spanish territorial waters, Spanish reports noted that its ecosystems are closely linked to the marine corridors targeted by the treaty.
Morocco’s participation, they added, is expected to introduce tighter environmental standards and greater coordination with Spain, particularly for maritime development and conservation initiatives.
The treaty will also require impact assessments for new high-seas activities to prevent pollution and environmental harm, along with stricter controls on waste disposal and other potentially damaging operations.
Given the Strait’s dense maritime traffic and overlapping development projects, observers say the treaty will lead to more rigorous environmental reviews and transparency for future infrastructure and shipping initiatives in the region.
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