Marine Governance Research Articles

The knowledge-power nexus in EU marine governance: from orthodoxy to pluralism by way of the human right to science

The knowledge-power nexus in EU marine governance: from orthodoxy to pluralism by way of the human right to science

Sustainability transformations in marine governance in Sweden via social learning

Sustainability transformations in marine governance in Sweden via social learning Dr. Angelo Jonas Imperiale and Dr. Uta Wehn describe the MISTRA C2B2 programme’s unique approach to promoting sustainability transformations in Sweden’s marine governance through social learning in Living Labs. The Mistra programme Co-creating Better Blue (C2B2) aims to transform current marine governance in Sweden towards a more participatory and data-driven approach. This approach seeks to enhance the resilience of marine social-ecological systems and achieve a sustainable blue economy in Sweden.

Real world data for real world problems: Importance of appropriate spatial resolution modelling to inform decision makers in marine management

Effective management of marine ecosystems requires informed decision-making based on accurate, comprehensive and appropriate data. Mapping habitats can form an important part of these processes so that decision makers can ensure the pressures exerted by human activities can be assessed while considering the sensitivity of the environment. Predictive models can be utilised to understand the distribution of species and habitats (e.g. biotopes) without incurring the expense of wide scale surveys. If predictive models are used in decision-making care must be taken in interpreting model results. The spatial resolution at which habitat modelling is conducted can greatly influence the decision outcomes. Whilst national resolution habitat maps serve as valuable resources for informing overarching policy making, for development level decisions fine resolution habitat information is needed. This paper explores the importance of spatial resolution modelling in marine management decision-making processes, using four spatial resolutions (50 m, 100 m, 200 m and 500 m) to model the presence of a protected habitat, maerl beds, within the Fetlar-Haroldswick Marine Protected Area in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Outputs were compared for model performance between the resolutions and area of modelled maerl bed coverage. Simulations of real-world marine activities, explore the magnitude of overlap attributable to varied spatial resolution models, with an emphasis on the presumed ‘need’ for management. This study shows the importance of considering spatial resolution in modelling outputs and highlights the challenges associated with using models to guide decision-making, direct pressures on protected habitats, and cumulative impacts. It carries significance for maximising economic opportunity while safeguarding marine features. For real-world applications coarse resolution data may suffice for strategic, large-scale decisions, but finer resolutions are imperative for consenting or managing individual marine activities. By emphasising the need for appropriate spatial resolution modelling, these findings contribute to the development of sustainable management strategies that are appropriate to the scale of the decision. Addressing the complexities of real-world decision-making and understanding the magnitude of spatial resolution required for the marine environment are a crucial principle that can also enhance and be applied to other disciplines including, terrestrial ecology, urban planning and the assessment of potential climate change impacts. Failing to model appropriately means that real-world pressures and impacts occurring on a finer scale then the available data may have their impacts over or underestimated, hindering effective governance. Whilst we are striving to meet our national and international obligations and objectives through effective marine governance, this paper highlights the challenges of real-world decision-making where data is not yet available at a suitable resolution to address these issues.

Concerning emotions: feminist contributions to reflexive marine governance

ABSTRACT This paper is concerned with emotions in marine governance. Governance studies are currently undergoing a ‘reflexive turn’ that focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘who’ of processes and practices of governing. It is also important to ask ‘why’ modes of governing emerge as they do. Drawing on feminist theories, this paper explores the ways that societal constructions of emotions, as well as the subjectivity of emotions, suffuse decision-making. Drawing in depth on the concerns driving the development of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1986), and the roles of Arvid Pardo and Elisabeth Mann Borgese in its development, this paper shows how a global-level governance outcome was simultaneously a deeply embodied one, where emotional work, structured by socialised norms, identities, values and opinions, shaped governance. It addresses why this governance tool emerged in a specific form, and how the factors shaping it persist in ocean management today. To conclude, the paper hints towards other examples that might benefit from the reflexive approach developed while also contending that recognising the role of emotions is a useful addition to studies of marine governance, leading to more care-full, reflexive, and resilient forms of governance in the face of uncertainty.

Role of marine cadastre in supporting efforts towards achieving sustainable development goal 14 in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Indonesia’s maritime sector plays an important role in its economic growth as one of Southeast Asia’s main powers. The sector that includes fishery, transportation and trade supports over seven million jobs in the region. However, the marine ecosystem of Indonesia is presently facing threats from industrial pollution, harmful fishing methods as well as destruction of marine habitats. Proper marine governance needs to be implemented to ensure that these threats do not hamper Indonesia’s growth. The need for proper management of marine ecosystems is addressed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations’ set 17 interlinked goals that serve as the new framework for the international development agenda; specifically, in SDG 14. Marine cadastre has emerged as one of the instruments in the act of marine governance. This paper offers a look into how marine cadastre, as a system within marine governance, can contribute to the implementation of SDG 14 in Indonesia. Three SDG 14 targets relating to the management of marine areas have been identified as having the potential for marine cadastre implementation. Additionally, an overview of the current state of marine cadastre from the legal, technical and institutional aspects is also presented in this paper.

A framework for assessing the blue equity of social-ocean systems in marine governance transformation

The equitable utilization of marine resources and the maintenance of healthy and sustainable marine ecosystems are essential to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting the well-being of all humanity. In this paper, we propose a Blue Equity Assessment Framework, which is based on a systematic literature review approach and takes into account the characteristics of Social-Ocean Systems (SOSs). The framework consists of Distributional Equity, Procedural Equity, Recognitional Equity, and Contextual Equity. The aim of this framework is to conduct equity analyses of policies or behaviors within SOSs in order to assess whether blue equity is explicitly implemented and practiced in these societal norms and policy mechanisms. The assessment framework reveals that blue equity has a positive synergy for the majority of the SDGs. This synergy is analyzed in terms of its influence on the assessment dimensions of distributional justice, procedural justice, recognitional justice, and contextual justice. The findings aim to enhance societal understanding of blue equity issues, thereby guiding policymakers in the prioritization of blue equity in the development and utilization of marine resources and in the transformation of global ocean governance.

China's Geostrategic Interests in the Indian Ocean Region: Implications for Regional Security and Sino- Indian Relations

Over the last decade, China has increased its footprint and economic power in the Indian Ocean by expanding its influence there. Critical concerns in the Indian Ocean pose a danger to regional security, according to this research. Realist theoryassesses China's economic and military achievements. There is a real possibility that unchecked Chinese development into the Indian Ocean would turn the entire ocean into a "Chinese lake," opening up trade along the Maritime Silk Road. A coalition of impacted and compatible governments is necessary to safeguard maritime interests against China's aggressiveness. The mixed approach employed literature and survey data for qualitative and quantitative research. Basic random sampling was used to sample 150 Lahore residents. Those who are active in policymaking and marine governance are the target audience for these findings, which are meant to educate them on the geopolitical shifts and what they represent for the future of the sector.

Ecological Safety and Regional Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific

On August 24, 2023, the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima into the ocean, an action that has sparked widespread concern and apprehension within the international community, particularly among nations in the Asia-Pacific region. This issue transcends mere environmental concerns, touching upon transnational cooperation and regional policy coordination. The strategic significance of the Asia-Pacific region in international studies is underscored by the concentration of multiple national powers engaging in complex strategic games to achieve their respective national interests and objectives. This paper aims to outline the context of nuclear wastewater discharge, analyze the potential environmental risks, and explore the threats to the marine ecological safety of neighboring countries. It discusses how this decision has become both a challenge and an opportunity for cooperation among Asia-Pacific nations in terms of environmental protection and marine ecological safety. Additionally, the paper employs the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) method, based on existing multilateral cooperation frameworks such as regional marine cooperation organizations and international legal norms, to study the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation in the context of nuclear wastewater discharge. This research may offer insights and guidance for mitigating current threats to marine ecological safety in the Asia-Pacific, and for constructing a more sustainable and resilient regional marine governance structure.

Putting people at the centre of marine governance across the UK and Ireland: 20 years of society and the sea

Once considered a scientific, technocratic activity, marine governance has shifted from a top down, state directed process toward participatory and deliberative approaches. In parallel, there has been increasing acknowledgment of the need to consider the human dimensions of marine and coastal issues, and the role of citizens in delivering the sustainable management and protection of the marine environment. By doing so, a more complete understanding of the complex relationship between society and the sea may be achieved. Research has shown that marine practitioners recognise that higher levels of civic involvement and citizenship in the management of the marine environment would be beneficial. Despite this, questions are raised as to whether existing governing institutions, legal structures, and planning instruments enable this to readily happen in practice. This paper explores the extent to which existing marine governance instruments are positioned to engender a society of marine citizens to meaningfully engage with marine stewardship behaviours in the UK and Ireland. A multi-phased research approach critically analyses existing relevant legislation, legal and policy frameworks, focusing on themes associated with the human dimensions of marine governance, including marine stewardship. This evaluation highlights a limited inclusion of terms relating to marine stewardship nationally, but recognises the foundations are there a more strategic and cognisant recognition of human-ocean relationships within marine governance across a range of scales and contexts.

Marine environmental governance for nuclear pollution: From the perspective of China's response to Japan's Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge

The global discourse surrounding the Japanese government's decision to release wastewater resulting from one of the most catastrophic nuclear crises in human history into the ocean has sparked intense deliberation within the international community. It is thus observed that the release of Fukushima nuclear wastewater has triggered a series of legal disputes, particularly in China, which has taken a firm stance against this action. Within China's legal circles, there has been a spirited dialogue on strategies from both international and domestic aspects to protect marine governance outcomes and safeguard the interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises in response to this matter. Accordingly, this article examines various international directives governing nuclear wastewater discharge. It asserts that, given the anticipated legal conflicts related to marine governance, exclusive reliance on the international legal framework may prove inadequate for China's response. Consequently, in response to the adverse impact of Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge into the ocean by 2023, this article posits an alternative approach rooted in China's domestic legal system and the perspective of judicial proceedings. This approach underscores the importance of precisely and adaptively applying specific legal provisions governing nuclear wastewater discharge and compensation claims, both domestically and internationally. To this end, China's endeavors should prioritize the enhancement of regulations pertaining to nuclear wastewater discharge, along with the establishment of systems such as a public welfare fund and subrogation mechanisms. Moreover, it is advisable that China augments its judicial authentication system and public interest litigation system to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.

Evolutionary analysis of nuclear wastewater collaborative governance based on prospect theory

Dealing nuclear wastewater into the sea significantly threatens the global ecological environment and public health. Existing research primarily focuses on the roles of emission and regulatory bodies, often overlooking the collaborative interactions between these entities. This study extends traditional marine governance strategies by considering upstream and downstream countries as research subjects. We first establish an evolutionary game model for the collaborative governance of nuclear wastewater between upstream and downstream countries, utilizing the Prospect theory and Evolutionary Game Theory. Subsequently, numerical simulations are employed to explore different entities' decision-making behaviors and influencing factors. Our findings indicate that: (1) initial willingness affects the time it takes for the system to reach a stable state; (2) the benefits and costs of proactive governance strategies influence decision-maker's behaviors; (3) subjective factors (risk preference, loss aversion) affect the strategic choices. This research provides a scientific basis for understanding different countries' selection of nuclear wastewater governance strategies.

Nature’s values in marine resource governance: an ethnographic case study of rockweed in Norway

This article addresses the shortcomings in the governance of the Norwegian macroscopic brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum (rockweed) that appeared when approaching rockweed as a socio-ecologic object in the Vega archipelago on the Norwegian Helgeland coast. A common seaweed along the Norwegian coast, rockweed constitutes an important species in Norway’s ‘blue forests’. Historically, rockweed harvesting was an important source of income for the local coastal population in Norway. Although not comparable to the newer and expanding kelp industry, rockweed harvesting is still profitable along the coast. Despite revived attention from the seaweed industry, state management of rockweed in 2024 is conspicuously absent. Combined with the lack of scientific knowledge of the consequences of rockweed harvesting on the local coastal ecosystems, the responsibility for ensuring sustainable harvesting of rockweed lies with the industry itself. On Vega, however, where rockweed is a highly valued and contested coastal species with a high economic, ecologic, and cultural significance, rockweed harvesting was a conflicted issue. In approaching rockweed as a socio-ecologic object from ‘below’, the article identifies hegemonic structures and discourses in Norwegian marine governance, suggesting how a narrow definition of ‘value’ comes to matter—not only for rockweed—but for sustainable governance of all marine and coastal ecosystems. This article is also an important contribution to the burgeoning interdisciplinary research on nature’s values, power, and knowledge in environmental management.

Theorizing reflexivity and transformative change in marine governance

ABSTRACT With multiple blue crises unfolding, momentum exists to develop and implement transformative marine governance approaches towards sustainable use of our oceans. Such approaches will only be transformative when they foster reflexive governance that questions and changes existing values and structures of power and governance. Yet, we lack understanding of how transformative marine governance change relates to reflexivity. This article takes an actor perspective and conceptualises reflexivity through three elements: (1) the trigger that leads to (2) processes of single, double and triple loop learning and reflection, and (3) the capacity to enact change. Building on the duality of structure and agency, we argue that reflexive actors are able to enact transformative change by changing their policy practices and the governance arrangements they are embedded in. These changes can in turn lead to political modernization, i.e. the structural transformation processes within the political domain of society. This will also result in changes across multiple governance arrangements. However, reflexivity is a process both enabled and constrained by existing power and governance structures, and does not happen automatically. We therefore conclude that reflexivity and transformation require deliberation, contestation and the capacity to learn and break through vested interest, discourses and power structures.

Power and participation: A systematic review of marine protected area engagement through participatory science Methods

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a critical part of the marine resource management community’s toolbox in seeking a sustainable and vibrant global ocean system. The processes of community engagement with MPAs, however, are rooted in pre-existing power dynamics inherent in environmental governance systems and influenced by historical contexts of colonialism. Marine governance has historically operated in a top-down manner, imposing exclusionary forms of conservation on local communities without affording them equitable power in the process. Meaningful engagement of community members in MPAs has been suggested as one of the key enabling conditions that drive successful marine protection. Specifically, participatory science methods have the potential to engage local communities, elevate local voices and expertise, and strengthen both local communities and scientific learning. This systematic scoping review assesses the peer-reviewed literature to understand the quality and nature of participatory science methods that have been used to engage communities in MPAs. The review highlights that, while participatory science methods are not uncommon in MPAs, they seldom challenge existing power dynamics. The results of this review show that power in MPA processes related to participatory science is generally retained by conventional researchers and MPA managers. Based on these findings, the authors provide recommendations to marine resource management researchers and practitioners to help the ocean governance community support greater power sharing with local communities through equitable and locally appropriate participatory science methods.

Preface

Proceeding of the 3rd International Conference: Realizing the Blue Economy Based on Fisheries and Marine Governance in Archipelagic (ICRBE-FMGA 2023) 27 November 2023, Pattimura University Ambon, Indonesia The journey towards realizing a sustainable blue economy requires collaborative efforts, innovative strategies, and informed governance. This conference serves as a platform to explore and discuss advancements, challenges, and solutions in harnessing the potential of our oceans while ensuring responsible stewardship.Our recent virtual conference, held amidst the busy schedules of our esteemed keynote speakers, unfolded against the backdrop of Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia. Despite the geographical distances that separate us, our virtual gathering transcended borders, welcoming participants from around the world. Utilizing the Zoom meeting application, we seamlessly connected and engaged in fruitful discussions without encountering any technical difficulties.Throughout the conference, two enlightening sessions which are keynote speaker presentations and author presentation, complemented by interactive Q&A in each sessions, enriching our collective understanding of marine governance and the blue economy paradigm. With an anticipated participation of 48 presenters, we witnessed a diverse assembly of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to catalysing positive change in our marine ecosystems.This conference was funded through annual budged 2023 of Pattimura Universitas. I extend my heartfelt tributes to all our colleagues who contributed their expertise, insights, and unwavering commitment to this cause. As we embark on this journal journey, it is essential to acknowledge the dedicated individuals who formed the backbone of our conference organizing committee especially for all reviewers and committee members. Their expertise, devotion, and organizational skills were critical in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable conference experience.Lastly, while we celebrate the success of our virtual conference, we remain mindful of the inherent drawbacks and limitations associated with remote gatherings. We recognize the importance of fostering personal connections, unforeseen interactions, and hands-on experiences, elements that are often challenging to replicate in virtual settings. Moving forward, we are committed to exploring innovative approaches to mitigate these challenges and enhance the efficacy of our virtual engagements.In conclusion, I extend my warmest welcome to all our participants and readers, inviting you to delve into the insightful contributions presented within this publication. Together, let us embark on a transformative journey towards realizing a sustainable blue economy for the benefit of present and future generations.List of Committee International Scientific Board, Editor and Reviewer are available in this pdf.

The Sea Unites Us but It Is Governed to Keep Us Apart: Restoring the Creole Afro-Indigenous Sea Mobilities in the Southwestern Caribbean.

Increasingly, marine governance advocates for ocean justice and, within it, the rights of coastal communities and indigenous people over the ocean space. Yet, international and state sea regimes strengthen border restrictions, impeding people’s mobilities and fracturing the sea interconnectedness. Against this backdrop and delving into the empirical data gathered through ethnographical research, the paper examines the intangible and the material sea (im)mobilities experienced by the Creole Afro-Indigenous communities in the Corn Islands and the San Andres Archipelago in the Southwestern Caribbean Sea. Through the lens of critical ocean geography and mobility studies, it reveals how the maritime boundary regimes and the frameworks of oceans territoriality have impacted indigenous island spatialities in the Nicaraguan-Colombian marine border area for the last decades, disrupting family and social connections, weakening the communities’ autonomy, and impeding food and provisions supply between the islands, thus threatening the indigenous rights with implications for ocean justice. The paper finally considers Creole Afro-Indigenous maritime activism’s prominent role in decolonizing marine governance in the Greater Caribbean region, suggesting the relevance of laws, norms, structures and ocean governance institutions to acknowledge and incorporate these alternative legalities.

Qing China and Its Offshore Islands in the Long Eighteenth Century

AbstractA significant paradigm shift in the examination of China’s engagement with the maritime world has taken place over the past decade. The conventional image of the Qing dynasty in the long eighteenth century as being merely land-orientated has now become obsolete. Historians are no longer satisfied with this stereotype and have put aside the conception that the Qing only realized the importance of strategic marine governance after the First Opium War. In view of this historiographical turn, I seek to deepen our understanding of the Great Qing in relation to the sea. By focusing on a series of sea charts, alongside some relevant palace papers, from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, I will argue that the Qing’s process of locating and charting those offshore islands was an essential, indicative, and demonstrative step for the central authority to project its imperial power onto the waters off the coast of China long before the arrival of Western gunboats in the age of global rivalry.

A study on transboundary governance of marine plastic debris-the case of an adjacent waters between China and Taiwan.

This study aimed to construct a transboundary marine governance mechanism in the Kinmen-Xiamen waters through literature review, field survey, in-depth interview, and expert opinion survey. The study finds that monsoons, ocean currents, and tides are the main factors affecting the drift of marine debris in the Xiamen Sea area to the beaches of Kinmen. The marine debris mainly included marine plastic debris (MPD), bamboo, and wood in Kinmen and was documented impacting a variety of species, including the horseshoe crab to marine mammals the IndoPacific dolphin. In addition, the problem of marine micro-plastic pollution is becoming increasingly worrisome and hazardous to rare creatures in the Xiamen Sea area. The pollution sources of MPD in Xiamen Bay included coastal tourism activities, micro-plastic discharged from sewage treatment plants, plastic waste produced by lost and discarded marine aquaculture, and plastic drifting terrestrial waste transported from the Jiulong River Basin. Our results show that microplastic pollution in the Kinmen-Xiamen waters may have a greater impact on marine ecology and the surrounding environment. The relevant transboundary marine governance mechanisms are discussed in this study.

SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURAL SUPPORT FOR OPEN DATA PRINCIPLES: A MARINE EARTH OBSERVATION PERSPECTIVE

Abstract. The GMES and Africa, MarCOSIO project, promotes the sustainable management of marine resources, improves marine governance, and stimulates the growth of the blue economy in the Southern African and Indian ocean region. Because of its mandate, a wide range of applications, and regional view that incorporates eight countries, the MarCOSIO Information Management System adopts and continues to strive towards implementation of open data principles. This paper presents considerations of the MarCOSIO information management systems towards the adoption and implementation of open data, FAIR and TRUST principles, to ensure the sustainability of its services and offerings. The implementation of the system is evaluated against criteria that assess the alignment to FAIR, TRUST, and Open Data principles. An assessment of the results shows that the system aligns closely, though not fully, with the FAIR and TRUST principles. This is mainly due to the use of reputable open-source tools that implement well-known and accepted standards. On the basis of the services provided, the system cannot be fully open, as in some cases the need for security outweighs the openness. This is specifically true for cases where there is a need to protect personal information, and public disclosures are prohibited by law. The use of open data from the European Commission has allowed the rapid development of regionally relevant solutions that, in turn, have remarkably improved decision making in promoting the protection and growth of the ocean economy. It is one of the goals of the open data directive to increase public participation in the achievement of economic growth.

Marine ecological security shelter in China: Concept, policy framework, mechanism and implementation obstacles

Building a marine ecological security shelter (MESS) has become the main strategy to adapt marine ecological threats in China. As China's marine policy lacks a robust framework document, it is necessary to consider whether the policy system can effectively support the construction of MESS. However, the linkage between the construction measures of MESS and related policies is not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the concept of MESS and its connection with policy, by adopting the policy content analysis method to analyze the evolution process of MESS-related policy system. The legislative shortcomings and implementation obstacles of the MESS-related policy system are then summarized and discussed. The results show that from 1981 to 2021 the MESS-related policy system has been continuously improved. However, the policy system's support and guarantee capacity for building MESS still needs to be improved. (1) Due to the lack of basic laws and special laws, the coordination among governance subjects and among policies lacks legislative guarantee. (2) The construction of MESS continues the inter-regional and inter-department administrative barriers in collaborative governance of marine environment. To establish an effective collaborative governance model, it is essential to improve the governance structure and mechanism. (3) The government-led governance pattern faces the problem of mechanism failure. The command and control instrument accounts for more than 82%, and the public and enterprises lack strong policy guarantees to participate in marine governance. (4) The policy system's adaptability to emerging threats must be improved. Marine policies rarely involve emerging threats such as climate change and new pollutants. Meanwhile, the real-time supervision and monitoring mechanism is weak. The real-time supervision is only accounting for about 10%. Generally speaking, as a complex and long-term system engineering, the construction of MESS will inevitably encounter contradictions in politics, culture, and economy. China should deepen the construction of marine ecological civilization and form a governance concept based on ecosystems. Overall, this paper helps to understand the internal connection between MESS and policy comprehensively and provides a new perspective for improving China's marine governance capacity.