Law and Policy Dimensions of Ocean Governance

Human populations have relied on the oceans for centuries for food supply, transportation, security, oil and gas resources, and many other reasons. The growing prospects of the oceans, such as access to marine genetic resources and seabed minerals, to generate renewable energy and as a potentially enhanced carbon sink, are contributing to increased interests to control and exploit the seas. At the same time, human pressure on the oceans, both from land- and atmospheric-based sources and at sea, as well as from climate change, has led to unprecedented levels of stress on the oceans. The concept of ocean governance has developed as a response to this. This chapter explores ocean governance from the interdisciplinary perspectives of law and human geography.

We trace the development of ocean governance from first practices and legal concepts up to the emergence of contemporary ocean governance in recent decades and explore how it departs from traditional practices. Zonal and sectoral approaches, as well as their underlying norms, are discussed. We then take a more critical stance to shed light on the role neoliberalism plays in the forming of ocean governance and the effects this paradigm can have on governance outcomes. The cases of fisheries management and ocean grabbing illustrate some possible mechanisms and effects. In addition, the role of communities and indigenous people in ocean governance is discussed. Finally, the chapter addresses the shared or common concern surrounding the degradation of the marine environment, and the need for global and interdisciplinary cooperation in governing the oceans for mutual benefit.