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.
The new treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has reached the necessary threshold for ratifications and will enter into force on January 17th 2026. On the way towards entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement, the Preparatory Commission met for the second time at the UN headquarters in New York between 18-29 August, 2025.
Over the last decade human rights violations in the fishing industry have received global attention. Many of these incidents occur on board fishing vessels, often fishing far off the coast. In this episode, three experts who have been fighting to ensure better working conditions for crew on board fishing vessels will provide insights into this topic.
Over the last decade human rights violations in the fishing industry have received global attention. Many of these incidents occur on board fishing vessels, often fishing far off the coast. In this episode, three experts who have been fighting to ensure better working conditions for crew on board fishing vessels will provide insights into this topic.
Deep-sea minerals are found on the ocean floor in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) oversees these areas and is negotiating rules for possible future mining. This episode outlines the current state of negotiations, key governance and environmental questions, and links to the new BBNJ Agreement.
At UNOC3 in Nice, ANCORS researchers and alumni contributed to global discussions on ocean sustainability, including planetary boundaries, the BBNJ Agreement, and human rights at sea. Through panels and partnerships, ANCORS helped advance inclusive, science-based governance for the high seas and reaffirmed its commitment to ocean action and collaboration.
In February 2025, KMI and ANCORS convened an informal workshop to explore cooperative approaches to unregulated high seas fisheries—areas where no RFMO exists. Participants highlighted the need for science-led collaboration, improved reporting, and trust-building among fishing States. Rather than pursuing new legal frameworks, the discussions focused on pragmatic, step-by-step action, with squid fisheries in the South Atlantic identified as a potential starting point for joint scientific efforts.
The 8th of June is World Ocean Day – a day to celebrate the ocean and to address the challenges that the ocean faces from human activities, such as overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. This episode dives into the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and reflects on the beauty and the importance of the ocean to all of us – no matter if we live close to the ocean, or far away.
Professor Quentin Hanich and Constance Rambourg participate in the pre-Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) week in Niue, ahead of the 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee. Alongside regional discussions on climate resilience and fisheries cooperation, they convened a workshop introducing a new ARC-funded research project on legal and policy frameworks for remote sensing in maritime enforcement.
Two years after finalizing the BBNJ Treaty, delegates met in New York (April 14–25, 2025) for the Preparatory Commission to advance its entry into force. Discussions progressed smoothly, with ANCORS experts participating on national delegations.