Ocean Governance & Law of the Sea Treaty Enforcement Unit
An operational unit of the Global Initiatives Division, developing international frameworks for ocean governance and UNCLOS enforcement — protecting the marine ecosystems that regulate Earth's climate, produce half its oxygen, and sustain the food security of billions of people who depend on healthy oceans.
Mission & Operational Scope
Governing the Commons That Cover 70% of Earth's Surface
The oceans are the world's largest commons — shared resources that no single nation owns but all nations depend on. UNCLOS established the legal framework for ocean governance, but its implementation is uneven, its enforcement mechanisms are weak, and it was not designed to address the emerging challenges of deep-sea mining, climate-driven ocean acidification, or the governance of the high seas beyond national jurisdiction. Maritime boundary disputes — from the South China Sea to the Arctic — create geopolitical flashpoints that threaten both regional stability and the international rule of law.
This unit develops the international frameworks that strengthen ocean governance — advocating for UNCLOS compliance, developing deep-sea mining governance standards, and building the international coalitions needed to protect the high seas that cover 60% of the ocean's surface.
Governing Doctrine
Frameworks & Standards
- UNCLOSUN Convention on the Law of the Sea — the constitution of the oceans, establishing EEZ rights, high seas freedoms, and the International Seabed Authority
- BBNJ TreatyHigh Seas Treaty — international framework for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and benefit-sharing in areas beyond national jurisdiction
- ISAInternational Seabed Authority — international body governing deep-sea mining in the Area, developing the environmental standards for seabed resource extraction
- MARPOLInternational Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships — international framework for marine pollution prevention from shipping operations
Operational Capabilities
Six Core Functions
01
UNCLOS Compliance & Enforcement
Advocate for universal UNCLOS ratification and compliance — developing the diplomatic pressure frameworks, dispute resolution mechanisms, and international monitoring systems that strengthen adherence to the Law of the Sea and reduce maritime boundary conflicts.
02
Deep-Sea Mining Governance
Develop international governance frameworks for deep-sea mining — establishing the environmental impact assessment standards, precautionary approach requirements, and benefit-sharing mechanisms that govern extraction of seabed minerals in ways that protect deep-ocean ecosystems.
03
High Seas Marine Protected Areas
Facilitate international frameworks for high seas marine protected areas — implementing the BBNJ Treaty commitments to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 through the designation, monitoring, and enforcement of marine protected areas beyond national jurisdiction.
04
Maritime Boundary Dispute Resolution
Develop international frameworks for maritime boundary dispute resolution — building the diplomatic mechanisms, ITLOS referral protocols, and confidence-building measures that reduce the risk of armed conflict over overlapping maritime claims.
05
Ocean Acidification Response
Develop international frameworks for ocean acidification response — establishing the monitoring standards, emissions reduction advocacy, and alkalinity enhancement governance that address the acidification threatening marine ecosystems and the fisheries that feed billions.
06
Plastic Pollution Treaty Implementation
Advocate for and facilitate implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty — developing the production reduction standards, extended producer responsibility frameworks, and waste management capacity building that address the plastic pollution devastating marine ecosystems.