Ocean Governance Gains Momentum: Implementation Key to Global Agreements

Global efforts to govern the world’s oceans are gaining traction, but a shift from pledges to concrete action is crucial for success. Discussions at recent international summits have highlighted the need for investment, implementation, and innovative technologies to address challenges ranging from sustainable fisheries and marine plastic pollution to blue security and climate change resilience.

The Challenge of Ocean Management

For many countries, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), managing vast ocean areas presents a significant challenge. “Yes we are small island nations, but we have big ocean space, and it’s very hard to survey the whole area,” said Jelta Wong, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources for Papua New Guinea [1]. This underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement capabilities.

Technological Solutions and Collaboration

Leaders at recent summits have emphasized the role of new technologies in improving ocean governance. These include satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital ocean models. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster launched its Market Solutions Platform, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of ocean-based climate solutions [1]. Organizations from the UK, such as the National Oceanography Centre and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, also contributed to discussions.

Key Discussion Points at Recent Summits

Recent summits have addressed a range of critical issues, including:

• Blue Security and Disaster Resilience for SIDS: Protecting vulnerable island nations from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
• Marine Plastics: Strategies to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.
• Sustainable Fisheries and Illegal Fishing: Ensuring the long-term health of fish stocks and combating illegal fishing practices.
• Blue Economy: Exploring opportunities for a ‘blue industrial revolution’ and scaling investment in ocean industries.

Papua New Guinea’s Leadership and Regional Initiatives

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been a key driver of regional initiatives aimed at maximizing the benefits of ocean resources. Prime Minister James Marape has called for Pacific nations to grab full control of their ocean resources, stating the region should no longer rely on foreign exploitation [4]. PNG launched the National Tuna Domestication Strategy (NTDS) and the National Aquaculture Development Strategy 2025–2035 in September 2025 [4].

The East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2023, aims to empower members to control the tuna value chain – from harvesting and processing to trade and investment [3]. This initiative seeks to ensure that the economic benefits of sustainable tuna management are more equitably distributed.

The Need for Implementation

With over 800 participants from nearly 60 countries attending recent summits, the consensus is clear: global ocean agreements are a significant step forward, but their success hinges on implementation. “The science is already there,” said Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau. “Now it’s time for practical solutions and implementation. We can’t keep talking about it – we need to start working on it.”