Executive Summary
The Swiss Federal Council opened the consultation procedure for ratification of the international High Seas Protection Agreement on 12 June 2026. The agreement aims to protect and ensure sustainable use of marine biodiversity outside national jurisdictions. Switzerland signed the agreement on 5 February 2025; Parliament will later decide on ratification. The consultation period runs until 5 October 2026 and is accompanied by a new federal law (High Seas Protection Act). The agreement is subject to optional referendum.
Persons
- Federal Council (collective institution)
Topics
- Marine protection and biodiversity
- International environmental agreements
- Swiss legislation
Clarus Lead
The High Seas Protection Agreement addresses a central challenge of climate policy: functioning marine ecosystems store significant amounts of CO₂ and are therefore critical for achieving climate goals. For Switzerland, ratification offers concrete economic and scientific benefits – particularly access to marine genetic resources for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as improved participation in international research projects. With the optional referendum, the Swiss people ultimately decide on participation in this global protection regime.
Detailed Summary
The High Seas Protection Agreement regulates the protection and sustainable use of biological diversity in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction – zones covering approximately 40 percent of the world's oceans. Switzerland sees threefold benefits in ratification: Ecologically, intact marine ecosystems function as carbon sinks and contribute to limiting global warming. Economically and scientifically, the agreement opens Swiss actors' access to marine genetic resources – a key factor for developing new pharmaceutical active substances and biotechnological innovations. Simultaneously, ratification improves conditions for Swiss researchers to participate in international marine research projects and exchange knowledge.
The consultation procedure is a central instrument of participation in Swiss legislation. Until 5 October 2026, cantons, parties, associations, and interest groups can submit statements. The Federal Council will subsequently prepare a message to Parliament, which will vote on ratification. The new High Seas Protection Act (HoSG) will implement international obligations into Swiss law and regulates, for example, control mechanisms and sanctions for violations.
Key Statements
- The Federal Council opens the consultation procedure for ratification of the international High Seas Protection Agreement (deadline: 5 October 2026)
- The agreement protects marine biodiversity outside national waters and contributes to CO₂ storage
- Swiss economy and science benefit through access to marine genetic resources and improved international research cooperation
- Parliament decides on ratification; the agreement is subject to optional referendum
Critical Questions
Evidence/Data Quality: What scientific data substantiate the CO₂ storage capacity of high seas areas, and how reliable are these forecasts for climate planning?
Conflicts of Interest: Which Swiss economic sectors (fishing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology) have submitted concrete positions on the agreement, and could their interests conflict?
Causality/Alternatives: To what extent is ratification of this specific agreement necessary – or could Swiss actors achieve similar benefits through bilateral agreements?
Feasibility/Risks: How will control mechanisms of the High Seas Protection Act be practically enforced on the high seas, and what resources does Switzerland need for this?
Political Resistance: Which sectors or cantons could invoke the optional referendum, and on what arguments would potential opposition be based?
Sources
Primary Source: [High Seas Protection Agreement – Consultation Opening] – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/3QzFGPyUw5QwCrHyTNpOk
Verification Status: ✓ 12.06.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 12.06.2026