Call Your Rep: High Seas Treaty

The High Seas Treaty, which opened for signature in 2023, was developed by the United Nations as a way to protect the oceans outside of national jurisdiction. These areas are not regulated by any country. Therefore, 60 countries must sign onto the High Seas Treaty to put it into action.

The high seas treaty has four components including: creating a system for sharing marine genetic resources, establishing MPAs, conducting Environmental Impact Assessments, and coordinating a system for marine technology sharing. You can read more about these components and the United States’ involvement here.

The United States, along with 139 other parties as of August 2025, have signed the Treaty. While this exhibits a commitment to the goals of the Treaty, it is not binding. The High Seas Treaty will take effect 120 days after 60 nations have joined the treaty. Joining the treaty is a binding commitment, whereas signing the Treaty is a sign of support. To join the Treaty the United States must ratify it. The Treaty is currently in the US Senate where it will require 2/3 majority vote in order to get to the President, who can then ratify the Treaty into law.

What You Will Do:

Find your Senator here

Once you have their name, enter it here and use the contact information provided

You can then call them with the script below to guide you:

Hello, my name is {your name} and I am calling from {your town}. May I please speak with a legislative aid?

{continue once you confirm you are speaking with or leaving a message for the legislative aid}

I am calling as a concerned constituent and behalf of Impact for Oceans to urge Senator {Senator’s name} to support the High Seas Treaty. It is essential that we take immediate action to protect our oceans to ensure it can provide ecosystem services and sustenance for future generations. Please speak with the Senator to ensure their support for the High Seas Treaty and request that they meet with their peers to discuss the support of this important Treaty.

Thank you for your time.