Climate change impacts on coral reefs: synergies with local effects, possibilities for acclimation, and management implications
This is a review paper that underlines that coral bleaching, acidification, and diseases are expected to interact synergistically, and will negatively influence survival, growth, reproduction, larval development, settlement, and post-settlement development of corals. Interactions with local stress factors such as pollution, sedimentation, and overfishing are further expected to compound effects of climate change. — by Ateweberhan et al
5th Asssessment Report
The 5th report of the IPCC emphasizes the role of the ocean in climate change processes and details impacts of carbon emissions and climate change on marine biodiversity. — by IPCC
Climate change, ocean acidification and geo-engineering
This is a Commission briefing paper on the impacts of climate change on the ocean. — by GOC
Climate change and the oceans- What does the future hold?
This is a review paper that underlines that coral bleaching, acidification, and diseases are expected to interact synergistically, and will negatively influence survival, growth, reproduction, larval development, settlement, and post-settlement development of corals. Interactions with local stress factors such as pollution, sedimentation, and overfishing are further expected to compound effects of climate change. — by Bijma et al
Global conservation outcomes depend on marine protected areas with five key features
The paper shows that the conservation benefits of 87 MPAs investigated worldwide increase exponentially with the accumulation of five key features: no take, well enforced, old (>10 years), large (>100km2), and isolated by deep water or sand. — by Edgar et al
A review of the conservation benefits of marine protected areas for pelagic species associated with fisheries
This report provides a review of the conservation benefits of marine protected areas for pelagic species. — by Davies et al
Ocean of life
Callum Roberts uses his lifetime's experience working with the oceans to take us on a panoramic tour beneath the seas, exploring the richness of life in the deep and how it has altered over the centuries. He shows the catastrophic impact of humanity on the oceans, but also how we can restore them to life. — by Roberts, C.
MPAs: Protecting high seas biodiversity
This is a Commission briefing paper on MPAs including their benefits and mechanisms for establishment in ABNJ. — by Global Ocean Comission
State of the Ocean Report 2013
Report of the International Panel on the State of the Ocean: Decreasing oxygen levels in the ocean caused by climate change and nitrogen run-off, combined with other chemical pollution and rampant overfishing are undermining the ability of the ocean to withstand these so-called 'carbon perturbations', meaning its role as Earth's 'buffer' is seriously compromised. — by International Programme on the State of the Ocean
Marine reserves: long term protection is required for full recovery of predatory fish populations
This paper assesses the duration of protection required for unfished populations of large predatory reef fish to attain natural states. — by Russ and Alcala
Close the High Seas to Fishing?
This study has modelled economic consequences of closing the high seas areas to fishing. It concludes that it would simultaneously give rise to large gains in fisheries profit (>100%), fisheries yields (>30%), and fish stock conservation (>150%). — by White and Costello
Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs): the identification process under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and possible ways forward
This report provides a summary of the current status of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) under the CBD, including the outcomes of regional workshops. — by Druel
Explaining global patterns and trends in marine protected area (MPA) development
This paper explores the relationship between geographic ,ecological, social, and political factors and trends in MPA establishment. — by Fox et al
National and Regional Networks of Marine Protected Areas: A Review of Progress
National and Regional Networks of Marine Protected Areas: A Review of Progress — by UNEP
Global implementation of marine protected areas: is the developing world being left behind?
This paper gives a comparative assessment of MPA progress in countries from different economic categories, ranging from advanced economies to least developed countries. It demonstrates a clear gap between developed and developing nations in MPA establishment, with advanced economies accounting for two thirds of the global MPA network. — by Marinesque et al
Biological effects within no-take marine reserves: a global synthesis
This review paper synthesises the effects of marine reserves on marine populations and biodiversity. — by Lester et al
Why the world needs a time-out on high seas bottom trawling
This briefing makes the case for a moratorium on high seas bottom trawling. — by Morgan et al
Towards a strategy for high seas marine protected areas
This workshop report provides a plan of action for how to establish high seas MPAs. — by Gjerde and Breide
Special issue of Parks on High Seas Marine Protected Areas
This special issue of Parks is a series of articles on high seas protected areas — by Various
Marine Reserves and Ocean Neighborhoods: The Spatial Scale of Marine Populations and Their Management
This paper investigates the spatial scale that is necessary to effectively protect different marine species. — by Palumbi
The Status of Natural Resources on the High Seas
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the status of high seas natural resources and their management, with a particular emphasis on exploring mechanisms to establish MPAs. — by WWF/IUCN
This WWF paper provides fact-based, participatory approaches to improving the effectiveness of government spending in the fisheries sector. — by WWF
Global Fisheries Subsidies
This briefing note provides an analysis of the current state of fisheries subsidies worldwide for the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries. — by Sumaila et al
How to make progress in disciplining overfishing subsidies
This paper analyses why the WTO has failed to effectively curb overfishing subsidies. — by Sumaila
Benefits of Rebuilding Global Marine Fisheries Outweigh Costs
This paper examines the net economic benefit of rebuilding fish stocks over 50 years. It finds that it would likely take just 12 years after rebuilding efforts begin for the gains to exceed the costs of management modifications. — by Sumaila et al
The European Union and Fishing Subsidies
This briefing provides an overview on EU fishing subsidies, including a country-by-country analysis and evaluation of subsidy intensity as an indicator of economic performance. — by Schroeer et al
A bottom-up re-estimation of global fisheries subsidies
This paper provides a global estimate for fisheries subsidies in 2003. — by Sumaila et al
Sustainability Criteria for Fisheries Subsidies: Options for the WTO and Beyond
The paper provides an analysis of the fisheries conditions and management practices governments should consider as prerequisites to the use of subsidies. — by Schorr and Caddy
Financial Support to Fisheries: Implications for Sustainable Development
This OECD report analyses the impacts of fisheries subsidies on key aspects of the economic, environmental and social dimensions of the sector. — by OECD
Hard Facts, Hidden Problems: A Review of Current Data on Fishing Subsidies
The report provides an estimate of global fisheries subsidies, as compared with what is officially reported by States. — by Virdin
The nature and magnitude of global non-fuel fisheries subsidies
This paper identifies and categorises fisheries subsidies and provides a global annual estimate for the year 2000. — by Khan et al
Fisheries Subsidies and Overfishing: Towards a Structured Discussion
This report analyses the interaction between subsidies, overcapacity and overfishing, to guide progress towards a potential reform of fisheries policies worldwide. It seeks to improve quantification and classification of the economic, environmental, and related social effects of subsidies to the fisheries sector, and explores a variety of approaches to develop policy reforms for the sustainable management of fisheries. — by Porter
The protection and preservation of the marine environment
This paper provides an overview of the existing legal instruments applying to areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), and their governing principles, and outlines examples of MPAs in ABNJ. — by Addis
The devolution of the seas: the consequences of oceanic destruction
This article makes the case for ocean degradation and calls for governmental action — by Sielen, A.
Modernising ocean governance
This is a Commission briefing paper on high seas governance. — by GOC
Indispensable Ocean: Aligning ocean health and human well-being
According to the panel, fragmented approaches that fail to consider social, political, economic and ecological relationships will fail to meet the complex challenges facing ocean health. The report calls for an integrated approach to ocean investment and emphasizes the essential role of public-private partnerships. It proposes five principles to ensure investments: sustainable livelihoods, social equity and food security, a healthy ocean, effective governance systems, long-term viability, capacity building and innovation. — by Blue Ribbon Panel
The need for a High Seas Biodiversity Agreement
This briefing document explains the rationale behind an implementing agreement under UNCLOS for high seas biodiversity conservation. — by Greenpeace
World in Transition: Governing the Marine Heritage
German Advisory Council on Global Change's recommendations for improved marine management. — by German Advisory Council on Global Change
Systematic Conservation Planning: A better Recipe for Managing the High Seas for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
This paper analyses gaps in high seas management and key elements for improvement. — by Ban et al
Ocean in peril: reforming the management of global ocean living resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction
This paper assesses the effectiveness of the existing legal and institutional framework for high seas living resources. — by Gjerde et al
Environmental Impact Assessments in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
This report describes the current use of enivronmental impact assessment in ABNJ and proposes ways forward. — by Druel
Advancing Governance of the High Seas
This paper is the outcome of a workshop on how to advance governance of marine biodiversity in ABNJ. — by Ardron et al
The Future We Want
This is the outcome document from Rio+20 Sustainable Development Conference, entitled The Future We Want. — by Varios
Role and Impact of International NGOs in Global Ocean Governance - in The Law of the Sea and Ocean Governance
This paper anlyses the role of non-governmental organizations in ocean governance — by Parmentier, R.
Oceans: The new frontier
The book questions the ability of global governance to regulate access to resources and services provided by the oceans so as to protect the ocean ecosystems. — by Jacquet, P., Pachauri, R.K., Tubiana, L.
The long and winding road. International discussions on the governance of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction
This article provides an analysis of current negotiations on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and future challenges in the perspective of an international agreement. — by Druel, E., Rochette, J., Billé, R., Chiarolla, C.
Economic Foundations of the Law of the Sea
This paper describes the economic logic behind the governance regime established by UNCLOS. — by Posner and Sykes
Recommended Best Practices for Regional Fisheries Management Organizations
This report provides guidance for the development of a model RFMO. — by Lodget et al
The International Legal Regime of the High Seas and the Seabed Beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction and Options for the Cooperation for the Establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Marine Areas Beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction
This CBD technical report examines the existing legal regime for ABNJ and options for MPA creation in ABNJ. — by Kimball
Turning the Tide: Addressing the impact of fisheries on the marine environment
This report provides an overview of the marine environment and recommendations for how the EU can better manage it. — by Royal Commmission on Environmental Pollution
The Ocean Our Future
This is the official report of the Independent World Commission on the Oceans, chaired by Mário Soares, former President of Portugal. Its aim is to summarize the very real problems affecting the ocean and its future management, and to provide imaginative solutions to these various and interlocking problems. — by Independent World Commission on the Ocean
This report reviews the state of fisheries and aquaculture in 2024. Fish makes up 17% of animal protein global intake. — by FAO
Improving accountability and performance in international fisheries management
This is a Commission briefing paper on RFMO performance and reform. — by GOC
Fisheries: Hope or despair?
This paper raises the alarm about declining global fish stocks and advocates for urgent, innovative, focused and global efforts to remedy the situation. — by Pitcher and Cheung
Failing the high seas: a global evaluation of regional fisheries management organizations
This study quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of the world’s 18 RFMOs, based on a two-tiered approach, concentrating first on their performance ‘on paper’ and secondly, in practice. — by Cullis-Suzuki and Pauly
The Sunken Billions: Economic Justification for Fisheries Reform
This World Bank report calculates the global cost of mismanagement of fisheries--approximately $50 billion annually. — by World Bank
Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas: Ensuring sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems
This FAO briefing document outlines developments and best practices in deep sea fisheries in the high seas. — by FAO
The rising tide of fisheries instruments and the struggle to keep afloat
This paper provides a brief overview of the range of recent fisheries management instruments and their implications for sustainable fisheries management, considers the progress being made in implementing them, identifies general problems being encountered and how they might be ameliorated in the future. — by Cochrane and Doulman
This report reveals a compelling need for an international database of industrial fishing vessels containing information on their ownership, flag, history, characteristics and fishing authorisations — by Environmental Justice Foundation
Estimates of illegal and unreported fish in seafood imports to the USA
This study provides an estimate of the amount of IUU fish entering the US market. — by Pramod et al
Africa Progress Report 2014
This report highlights the importance of fisheries for development in Africa. Estimates IUU fishing costs in West Africa to US$1.3 billion per year — by Africa Progress Panel
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
This is a Commission briefing paper on eliminating IUU fishing. — by GOC
Number scheme can help beat illegal fishing
This article provides examines the need for standardised numbering system for fishing vessels to help combat IUU fishing. — by Downing and Meere
Transhipment At Sea: The Need for a Ban in West Africa
This briefing sets out the case for a ban on transhipments of fish at sea in West Africa as well as a ban on the entry of seafood from such transhipments into the European market. — by Environmental Justice Foundation
Without a Trace II: Updated Summary of Traceability Efforts in the Seafood Industry
This report provides a summary of traceability efforts in the seafood industry globally. — by Boyle
Looting the Seas
This is a series of journal articles, compiled into an e-book, on the various aspects of global fishing including IUU fishing, subsidies, and overfishing. — by ICIJ
Closing the gap: Comparing tuna RFMO port State measures with the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures
This report is a gap analysis comparing the port State measures established by 10 RFMOs with those established by the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA). — by Pew
Closing Loopholes:Getting Illegal Fishing Under Control
This study evaluated the implementation and effectiveness of port State measures adopted by RFMOs and directed at vessels on the RFMO IUU vessel lists. The results show (i) insufficient vessel information, (ii) a lack of compliance by port States, and (iii) the absence of consistent port State measures across regions — by Flothmann et al
A Guide to the Background and Implementation of the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
This FAO report traces the development of port State measures as a fisheries management tool through a review of a number of internationally important instruments. — by Doulman and Swan
Estimating the worldwide extent of illegal fishing
This paper provides a global estimate of illegal and unreported fishing. — by Agnew et al
Lowering the flag: ending the use of Flags of Convenience by pirate fishing vessels
This report summarises the practice of Flags of Convenience and its connections to IUU fishing. It provides recommendations on how to address the problem. — by Environmental Justice Foundation
Costs of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in EU Fisheries
This report makes a preliminary investigation into the level of the economic, social and environmental costs of IUU fishing at the wide scale of EU fisheries and Member States. — by Tinch et al
Global extent of illegal fishing
This paper provides a series of in-depth studies detailing the level of illegal fishing for a number of different species in 60 countries (chosen as those with the highest catches in their EEZs) and 17 high seas FAO regions. — by Agnew et al
Port State measures to combat IUU fishing: International and regional developments
This report provides a summary of regional and international progress on combatting IUU fishing through port State measures. — by Swan
Closing the Net:Stopping illegal fishing on the high seas
This Ministerial High Seas Task Force report discusses IUU fishing on the high seas and proposes remedies. — by High Seas Task Force
Review of impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing on developing countries: Synthesis Report
This report provides impact analysis of IUU fishing on 10 developing countries, including economic, social, environmental, ecological, biological, health and nutritional impacts. — by MRAG
Satellite-based Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMSs) For Fisheries Management: International Legal Aspects and Developments in State Practice
This article analyses a State’s rights and obligations under international law with respect to satellite-based VMSs for fisheries management. — by Molenaar and Tsamenyi
International action and responses by regional fisheries bodies or arrangements to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
FAO report on international developments to combat IUU fishing. — by Swan
This Greenpeace report studies the scale of contamination of the marine environment by plastic debris — by Allsopp et al
Elimination of pollution that affects the high seas
This is a Commission briefing paper on eliminating pollution in the ocean. — by GOC
Evaluating legacy contaminants and emerging chemicals in marine environments using adverse outcome pathways and biological effect-directed analysis
This paper examines marine contamination and the need for improvements in the processes of assessing them to protect against adverse impacts to humans and marine species and environments. — by Hutchinson et al
Overview of EU policies, legislation and initiatives related to marine litter.
This paper anlayses the problem of plastic pollution and possible policy actions to solve it and proposes options for prevention and clean-up. — by European Commission
Estimating the use of drifting Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) around the globe
This discussion paper presents an estimate for the total number of FADs deployed globally. — by Baske et al
Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and Tuna: Impacts and Management Options
This report provides an overview of current literature on FADs and their impacts on tuna populations. It provides specific information on types of FADs, associations of tuna species with FADs, negative impacts of FADs on tuna populations, methods of limiting negative impacts on tuna and possible management options. — by Morgan
Guidelines on the Use of Market-based Instruments to Address the Problem of Marine Litter
This UNEP report provides an overview of economic tools and strategies that encourage a change in behaviour that will lead to positive and lasting benefits on the marine and coastal environment. — by Brink et al
Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear
This UNEP report provides an overview of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and options to acheive reduction/prevention. — by Macfayden and Huntington
Design of ecological FADs
This report identifies criteria for ecological FADs and proposes various possible designs for ecological FADs. — by Franco et al
Tackling Marine Debris in the 21st Century
This book identifies ways to reduce waste, improve waste disposal at ports, and strengthen the regulatory framework toward a goal of zero waste discharge into the marine environment. — by National Academies of Science
Fish aggregation device (FAD) research: gaps in current knowledge and future directions for ecologicla studies
The authors reviewed the literature concerning fish aggregation devices (FADs) to determine areas of relative research deficiency and suggest new research areas. — by Dempster and Taquet
Greenpeace and the dumping of wastes at sea: a case of non-State actors' intervention in international affairs
This paper provides an overview of Greenpeace's 15 years campaign to ban the dumping of wastes at sea. — by Parmentier
South Pacific Commission Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Manual. Volume 1: Planning FAD Programmes
Handbook produced for the South Pacific Commission on planning for the use of Fishing Aggregating Devices (FADs) in a sustainable manner. — by Anderson and Gates
International Regulation of Offshore Oil and Gas Activities: Time to Head over the Parapet
The last decades have been marked by a considerable development of offshore oil and gas activities. — by Julien Rochette, IDDRI
Liability for catastrophic risk in the oil and gas industry
This article examines the dynamics of recent attempts by oil and gas operators to negotiate contracts which apportion more liability to contractors in the event of a catastrophic incident. It summarises current legal regimes and presents five options for moving forward. — by Cameron
Seeing beyond the horizon for deepwater oil and gas: strengthening the international regulation of offshore exploration and exploitation
The paper examines the current status of offshore oil and gas development and come to the conclusion its coverage under international law is highly fragmented. The author makes a case for a new, comprehensive approach that aims to: counterbalance the power of oil companies and their professional organisations with an international legal framework that creates obligations; and establish a common set of obligations for states (and operators) covering the entire process of approval, monitoring, intervention, sanctions and liability regime. — by Rochette et al
Working Document for 5-9 May Session of Open Working Group
This is the working document from May 2014 of the focus areas under consideration by the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals. — by OWG SDG
A Blueprint for Ocean and Coastal Sustainability
This is an interagency report developed for the Rio+20 sustainable development conference to provide proposals towards ocean sustainability that should be regarded as priorities for consideration. — by OC/UNESCO, IMO, FAO, UNDP
Deep Water Offshore Oil Exploration Regulation: The Need For a Global Environmental Regulation Regime
This paper makes the case for a global environmental regime for offshore oil exploitation. This would help achieve safer operations in areas where domestic environmental regulation is weak or non-existent. — by Hasson
An action agenda for sustainable development
This report present's the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network's identified ten priorities for the sustainable development goals. — by SDSN
Fisheries and post-2015 development agenda
This briefing makes the case for why fisheries should be a focus of the post-2015 development agenda. It outlines the key issues to address and prioritise. — by iied
A sustainable development goal for the global ocean
This is a Commission briefing paper on creating a stand alone SDG for the ocean. — by GOC
Establishing a Sustainable Development Goal for Oceans and Coasts to Face the Challenges of our Future Ocean
This briefing presents the case for how oceans can be represented in the SDG process. — by Visbeck et al
High seas elements for a possible Ocean SDG
This is the Commission's proposal for SDGs targets and indicators, as related to high seas areas. — by GOC
A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies Through Sustainable Development
This is the report of the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. — by Post-2015 Development Agenda Panel
Primer #1: Overview of the UN Intergovernmental Processes to Define the Post 2015 Development Agenda
This briefing provides a primary on the UN process to define the post-2015 development agenda. — by UN NGLS
United Nations Millenium Declaration
This UN Resolution is the Millenium Declaration which established the MDGs. — by UN
Valuing the ecosystem services of the high seas. — by Global Ocean Commission
A general business model for marine reserves
This paper reviews empirical data and develops bioeconomic models to show that the value of marine reserves (enhanced adjacent fishing + tourism) may often exceed the pre-reserve value, and that economic benefits can offset the costs in as little as five years. These results suggest the need for a new business model for creating and managing reserves, which could pay for themselves and turn a profit for stakeholder groups. — by Sala et al
Why Value the Oceans?: A Discussion Paper
This discussion paper highlights which areas of coastal and ocean management could benefit from enhanced understanding of economic value of marine and ecosystem services. — by Beaudoin et al