International treaty protecting world's oceans to take effectBy Am�lie BOTTOLLIER-DEPOISUnited Nations, United States (AFP) Sept 19, 2025A multinational treaty to protect vast expanses of the world's oceans is finally set to become law in January 2026, with environmentalists hailing its enactment Friday as crucial to safeguarding the marine ecosystems. The law aims to protect international waters that make up around 60 percent of the oceans. Until now, only one percent of high seas waters have had such legal safeguards. What is the high seas treaty? Here are the key points:- International waters -The treaty covers international waters that fall outside any single country's exclusive economic zone and account for more than 60 percent of the world's oceans.