Earth Law Center Blog
Decades in the Making, the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) Is Now Binding: What Happens Next?
The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) represents a turning point for Ocean governance—but its success depends on what happens next. As nations prepare for the first Conference of the Parties (January 2027), they have a rare opening to shape domestic legislation that doesn’t just comply with the treaty's requirements but goes further, embedding Earth law principles into the governance of marine ecosystems. Whether that promise is realized will hinge on institutional capacity, political will, and the frameworks states choose to build now.
Ocean Rights and International Law: Five Things to Watch in 2026
With the RoN movement gaining momentum in Ocean governance, here are five of the most exciting Ocean-related developments to keep an eye on in 2026:
The entrance into force of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ)
International Seabed Authority negotiations about deep-sea governance
Coral reefs rights developments
Lawsuits from Ocean guardians using Advisory Opinions in different courts
The Republic of Panama continues leading the way in Ocean protection
What If the High Seas Were a Country?
Imagined as a country, the Ocean would rank as the world’s fourth-largest economy, valued at approximately $24 trillion, and would exercise sovereignty over 70 percent of global territory. Dare we dream of an Ocean Nation—a government of representatives selected through expertise rather than nationality, a transboundary bioregion that can activate hard-fought Earth (and marine) law?
International Judicial Advisory Opinions, Ocean Rights, and the Legal Wave for Ocean Care
The world is experiencing an unprecedented moment of judicial involvement with the climate crisis. Within the span of 14 months, three international courts responded to requests to clarify states’ legal obligations on climate change. Together, these efforts and the courts’ opinions mark a turning point for environmental governance. They suggest that climate action is no longer just a political choice but a legal duty. This emerging legal wave could strengthen accountability and bridge the gap between environmental principles and practice. Because the health of the ocean underpins the planet’s climate stability, these advisory opinions may also reinforce a new legal and moral framework for ocean protection.
The Global Plastics Treaty and "Plastics Justice"—A Primer
Led by Ocean Program Director Rachel Bustamante, Earth Law Center (ELC) recently released a report entitled “Advancing Ocean Justice in the Global Plastics Treaty.” You can find more information, including links to the full report and a related press release, on ELC’s Ocean Plastics webpage. In this blog post, we break down some key terms and concepts related to plastic pollution, the Global Plastics Treaty, and plastics justice, ending with ways that anyone can get involved in this critically important issue.