This comprehensive document provides an overview of the array of international conventions and organizations governing ocean use.
In the context of an increasing focus on regional and large scale oceans management, the book discusses the legal context of cross-boundary management and ways of targeting international legal instruments to solve specific oceans problems.
International Ocean Governance has three purposes:
- first, it may be used as a guide and a resource for identifying which international conventions and organizations play a role in addressing various sources of marine pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, invasive species, or other threats to marine biodiversity. It provides general guidance on how to use and develop international legal instruments
- it identifies strengths and weaknesses in international management arrangements for each problem. The report’s suggestions for further international legal developments and improvements in the resources and functioning of international arrangements are intended to stimulate debate, new research, and fresh ideas
- to promote discussion of how to advance ocean governance at the regional level based on the importance of maintaining ecosystem goods and services for the people who depend on them.
International Ocean Governance should be useful for government officials and for international and non-governmental organizations working in the international arena, but it will also be a valuable resource to help managers and civil society address the coastal/oceans problems they face at home. [adapted from author]