Ocean Equity Research is a collective of experts studying and advising on how to manage human interaction with our oceans in a way that achieves the most desirable outcomes for all.
Ocean Equity Research sits at the intersection between science, policy, law and development studies, and focuses on how we can manage human interaction with our marine environment to achieve equitable outcomes in transboundary ocean conservation, management and development. We are a collective of experts passionate about reshaping the way global society relates to and looks after its oceans to achieve the most desirable outcomes for all.
The Fisheries Governance Program orients research towards supporting practical management and policy outcomes for fisheries on global, regional and national levels, engaging with coastal communities, government agencies, regional and international organisations, civil society organisations, academia and industry.
The health of the ocean is vital for the functioning of the planet and humans have used the ocean and its resources for centuries for navigation, trade and food security. Overexploitation and pollution put marine ecosystems at risk and marine conservation seeks to counter environmental threats, caused by human activities.
The Seabed Mining Program focuses on the regulatory and governance framework for an emerging ocean industry: mining the deep seabed for minerals, such as copper and manganese. This emerging industry raises several equity questions, including who stands to benefit, who would shoulder the environmental, social, cultural, and economic burdens, and who gets a say in the decision-making around seabed mining.
The Sustainable and equitable conservation, management and development of our oceans depends on more than just science-based decision-making. It fundamentally depends on effective cooperation between sovereign States and their subsequent implementation of conservation and management decisions.
Ocean activities are regulated under a complex ocean governance framework, dividing responsibility over geographical areas and sectors among different actors. Within a region of 200 nautical miles from the coast, coastal states have jurisdiction over their waters, while areas beyond this limit are to be governed internationally, among all United Nations member states.
Human-caused climate change is causing significant impacts, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and developing States who have historically contributed the least. The ocean is the largest thermal sink for climate warming, already warming to below 2000m in depth, with resulting ocean acidification, marine heatwaves, de-oxygenation and flow on impacts on marine biodiversity and fisheries.
Episode 1 of ‘Negotiating the Ocean’ explores the idea of Ocean Equity and how it can be applied to the high-level international talks governing and managing the ocean and its resources. We meet ANCORS researchers who work on different aspects of Ocean Equity, including fisheries, climate change, pollution, deep sea mining, renewable energy, and more.
Book Chapter – Security Cooperation and Fisheries in the Pacific By Bianca Haas, Kamal Azmi, Kerrie Robertson, Transform Aqorau, and Quentin Hanich Pacific small island
The Honiara Summit (24-27 Feb) gathered Pacific leaders, ministers, and experts to advance SDG 14.4 on sustainable fisheries. Key topics included IUU fishing, climate impacts, and a $107M adaptation grant. The summit reinforced regional cooperation and sustainability ahead of the UN Oceans Conference in June 2025.
Our team includes extensive experience in government and international fora, with decades of experience representing governments at regional fisheries management organisations.
We have analysed strategic interests, advised on conservation and management options and strategies, facilitated and prepared national and regional briefs for developed and developing State governments, and facilitated and chaired international negotiations.