New Ocean Project
Governing the Ocean for Life, Equity, and a Changing Climate.
Who we are
The New Ocean Project is a global initiative to transform international fisheries governance to be science-based, equitable, and climate-adaptive.
Current ocean governance systems are systemically flawed, perpetuating inequities and biodiversity loss. We believe that a vision for a new ocean is possible. One where management is holistic, science-based, and adaptive, with exploitation limited to national waters under the authority of coastal states. With the sovereignty of coastal states as the primary custodians of ocean resources, international fisheries management can be transformed from a system of open access to shared stewardship.
- protecting marine biodiversity
- strengthening ocean resilience
- ensuring fair access and benefits for coastal and island States.
We draw on expertise from ecology, oceanography, fisheries science, law, economics, political science, and social sciences to reimagine the ocean as a shared global commons essential to biodiversity and long-term resilience.