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.
New article explores whether the current system for allocating access to high seas fisheries is fit for purpose. The authors highlight how negotiations over high seas limits and allocation often prioritise access over sustainability, with significant implications for equity and long-term fisheries management.
This webinar explores how management procedures and the BBNJ Agreement intersect in high seas fisheries governance, highlighting the role of RFMOs in advancing transparent, science-based conservation and sustainable use objectives.
The United Nations PrepCom advanced implementation of the BBNJ Agreement ahead of COP-1 in 2027. While agreement was reached on several operational elements, key issues remain unresolved and will require further negotiation at COP-1.
Around half of the world’s population are young people but how are they included in international negotiations about the future of our planet? This episode portrays the importance of youth involvement in intergovernmental processes, maps different ways for young people to participate in ocean negotiations and highlights opportunities at local, national and global levels.
ANCORS attended WCPFC22 in Manila, co-hosting a side event on the new BBNJ Agreement and its implications for tuna governance. The Commission advanced measures, including a management procedure for South Pacific albacore, while members engaged on how BBNJ will shape future cooperation across regional fisheries and high seas biodiversity governance.
📅 Monday, 1 December 2025
⏱ 12:45pm
As the BBNJ Agreement races toward entry into force in January 2026, WCPFC members are entering a crucial period for shaping how this global ocean treaty will interact with regional fisheries management.
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.
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.
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.