10 November 2016: The European Commission (EC) and the European High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adopted a Joint Communication that outlines an agenda for improved oceans governance, based on a cross-sectoral, rules-based approach. The Communication underscores the importance of protected, sustainably managed oceans in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the Goals related to poverty, food security and climate change.

The Communication on ‘International oceans governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans’ is part of the EU’s response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDG 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development). Following a 2015 consultation, the EC confirmed that current frameworks do not ensure sustainable ocean management, and said gaps must be addressed, especially on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), seabed mining, implementation and enforcement of agreed rules and arrangements, and coordination among the 300 UN entities involved in international ocean governance. Within this context, the Communication aims to achieve improved shared international responsibility for oceans, link internal and external security dimensions of ocean governance and contribute to implementation of existing EU strategies.

The Communication proposes 50 actions for safe, clean and sustainably managed oceans in three areas: improving the global ocean governance framework; reducing human pressure on the oceans and creating enabling conditions for a sustainable blue economy; and strengthening research and data on the oceans. On improving ocean governance, the Communication underscores the importance of developing and enforcing oceans rules to address areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), implement the SDGs and promote regional fisheries management. On ocean research and data, the Communication highlights the EU’s Blue Data Network and the European Marine Observation and Data Network, stating the EC’s intention to develop this database into a global marine data network.

On reducing human pressure on the oceans and creating conditions for a sustainable blue economy, the Communication highlights the EC’s commitment to strengthen ocean-related action to implement international and national commitments, including at the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), underscoring the role of oceans as climate regulators and the importance of action to limit ocean warming and ocean acidification. The Communication identifies tackling illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, reducing marine litter and expanding marine protected areas (MPAs) as additional priorities. The EC will launch a pilot project to monitor illegal fishing around the world using satellite communications and, by 2017, will propose a strategy on plastics, with the aim of reducing marine litter by at least 30% by 2020.

The Communication states that the EC and the High Representative will report on progress on the proposed actions “at regular intervals and for the first time within two years of the adoption of this Communication.”

Federica Mogherini, EC Vice-President and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, explained that the Joint Communication confirms the EC’s engagement in implementing the 2030 Agenda. She said, “Our oceans are threatened by crime, piracy and armed robbery. Attempts to assert territorial or maritime claims are affecting regional stability and the global economy. We need to use all the tools we have to shape ocean governance.” EC Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said the proposal is “an agenda for improving the way oceans are managed, reducing human pressure on our oceans and investing in science. This will ensure that marine resources are used sustainably, for healthy marine eco-systems and a thriving ocean economy.” [EC Press Release] [Publication: Joint communication: International ocean governance agenda for the future of our oceans] [Infographic on International Ocean Governance] [List of Actions] [EC International Ocean Governance Website]