Ocean Governance

We see governance as the means by which we solve the problem of disorder in the maritime domain. The world is heavily reliant on our oceans – for 90% of world trade, for 20% of dietary protein intake and for 99% of telephonic and internet communication, among other things. It is also the focus of tremendous economic activity, a source of employment and the focal point of cultures around the globe. Thus, we look at the maritime space as needing to be secured for the sustainment and betterment of human life on land. 

As no voters live on the water, however, generating political will to address maritime challenges requires understanding and articulating the nexus between what happens at sea and life on land.  Fundamentally, maritime insecurity is perpetrated by people who live on land, going to sea to gain illicit profit, and bringing the spoils of that activity back to land.  Unfortunately, those who know the value of the marine environment the best are those who would do it harm. We therefore work to change that dynamic by understanding not only the maritime space and the value of it, but the options for what can be done to better govern it.  Drawing from experiences from around the world, we can identify what approaches are most likely to work and help both governments and regional organizations take meaningful action.