Ocean Equity Research

Ocean Equity Research

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.

Negotiating the Ocean

Peek behind the scenes of ocean governance and negotiations on biodiversity, fisheries and deep-sea mining and learn the big questions around equity and social justice.

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We Want to Reshape the World's Relationship With its Oceans

Ocean Equity Research

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.

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Themes

Our themes develop new analysis, materials and curriculums to support the transition of ocean governance to a true ‘commons’ model, focused on food security and sustainable development.​

Fisheries Governance Program

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. 

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Marine Conservation

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.

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Seabed Mining

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. 

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International Cooperation, Negotiation and Strategy

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. 

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BBNJ - Ratification and Implementation

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.

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Climate Change and Oceans

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.

 

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News
News

From Policy to Practice: Highlights from Niue’s FFC Pre-Week

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.

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May 27, 2025
Fisheries Governance Publications

Insights into the 29th Annual Meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

From 13–17 April 2025, the IOTC held its 29th Annual Meeting in La Réunion, chaired by Adam Ziyad of the Maldives. Members tackled key issues like shark conservation, transhipment, and catch limits for skipjack and bigeye tuna. Progress was made, but challenges remain, particularly on catch limits and high-seas inspection. Tensions between small-scale and industrial fisheries highlighted the need for stronger management to ensure sustainable tuna stocks.

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April 28, 2025

People

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.

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