Ocean Governance as a Challenge for Complex Global Governance

Abstract

The ocean connects different political communities in a number of ways. Fishermen go out further and further in the search for satisfactory yields, the energy industry has moved offshore, and visionaries dream of artificial cities at sea. The increasing human activities in ocean space pose the question if all these different activities require coordination and regulation, and which forms these should take. Furthermore, the oceans are a perfect illustration of global interdependence (as biotope, habitat, but also via ocean routes, for transportation of people and goods, communication, exploitation). More and more is known about harmful effects on the marine environment, yet who can effectively be held accountable for marine pollution or of dealing with the effects of climate change? We encounter various crimes at sea (such as illegal fishing and waste dumping, but also piracy, terrorism, drug and people trafficking/human smuggling) with different regimes addressing them, topped by disputes over maritime boundaries and the use of resources – however, the ocean space remains rather ungoverned compared to the situation on land. The different regimes (formal or informal) are characterized by different sets of constraints and power dynamics. How can the effects of globalization such as pollution, security issues and needed mechanisms of conflict resolution be addressed by complex global governance while not impeding political and economic development? While many natural scientists call for a better ocean governance, political scientist have been slow to turn to the sea with comprehensive concepts. Policy-making is already in full swing as illustrated by the EU’s International ocean governance agenda for the future of our oceans from 2016 or the 2017 UN Ocean Conference. What can we learn from decades of debate about global governance for ocean governance? Does ocean governance as complex global governance require a specialized approach? The Panelists explore the actors, the issues, and dilemmas in ocean governance using Case studies, comparative studies or more conceptual works.