Ocean Policy Hub

Global action is a function of policy and international agreement. Policies are the tools of crafting and enforcing action

The industrialization of the ocean threatens not only the health of the marine ecosystems but our very way of life: access to fresh water, to protein, to coastal communities, to trade, recreation, the global economy, and more. If poorly managed and left unchecked, we stand to damage and destroy the natural world and the fragile marine environments on which we depend.

UN Third World Ocean Assessment

The third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III) is the only global integrated assessment of the world’s ocean covering environmental, economic, and social aspects.

High Seas Treaty

The High Seas Treaty enters into force on Jan. 17, 2026. WRI experts unpacked what this landmark treaty is, why it's so important and what comes next.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the Convention or UNFCCC) was adopted at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on the 9 May 1992.

National Strategy for Arctic Region

The United States seeks an Arctic region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, and cooperative. The National Strategy for the Arctic Region articulates an affirmative U.S. agenda over the next ten years, from 2022 to 2032, to realize this vision.

National Endowment for the Oceans Act

National Endowment for the Oceans Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Endowment for the Oceans which shall fund grants for programs to restore, protect, maintain, or understand living marine resources and their habitats, and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, including baseline scientific research, ocean observing, and other programs in coordination with federal and state agencies.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Prompted by the desire to settle, in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation, all issues relating to the law of the sea and aware of the historic significance of this Convention as an important contribution to the maintenance of peace, justice and progress for all peoples of the world.

European Union Common Fisheries Policy

Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Common Fisheries Policy.

US National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan

The Implementation Plan describes specific actions Federal agencies will take to address key ocean challenges, give states and communities greater input in Federal decisions, streamline Federal operations, save taxpayer dollars, and promote economic growth.

The International Marine Minerals Society's Code

Code for environmental management of marine mining: draft revision as of 21 August 2009.

UN Convention on Biological Diversity

Signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development.

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