Ocean governance

the challenges of the 21st century

Abstract

The current model of ocean governance remains a product of the post-World War II international order established by the United Nations. The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is still considered today to be the most widely accepted international legal basis for the governance of the different maritime spaces. Over the last few years in particular, there has been a growing demand for marine resources (living and non-living) in different maritime spaces worldwide, including areas beyond the jurisdiction of states. This article analyses the governance model for the high seas, in maritime areas beyond national jurisdiction. The conclusions show that growing competition for marine resources and the need to align with environmental sustainability commitments mean that the ruling ocean governance model needs to be reformulated to be able to respond to the new challenges.