This perceptive book evaluates the effectiveness of current ocean governance as it aims to respond to the threats of increased sea temperatures, salination, biodiversity loss, overfishing, and exploitation of ocean resources. Contributors pose the key question: what type of political space are the oceans and is it possible to create, implement and assess an international framework which enables the oceans to be governed?

Recognising that the oceans are consistently underexplored in international relations, Governing Oceans adopts a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together experts in the fields of political sciences, heritage management, marine policy and coastal ecosystems who identify current challenges and good practices, and develop pragmatic suggestions for improvement. Chapters cover opportunities for improved governance of fisheries, underwater cultural heritage as a forgotten discipline, multi-level cooperation and the agency of IOC-UNESCO in shaping marine spatial planning. Embracing innovative approaches to spatial mapping policies and identifying patterns of cooperation, Governing Oceans provides a blueprint for improving the management of the seas.

Combining comprehensive theory and practical case studies, this book will be an insightful read for students, academics and researchers working in sustainable development, development studies, environmental economics, environmental and international law, and geopolitics. It will also be a highly informative read for governance practitioners and professionals working in the marine cultural heritage, ocean geography and international relations sectors.

About the Author
Edited by Catherine Jones,School of International Relations, University of St Andrews, UK

Reviews
'Governing Oceans, edited by Catherine Jones, brings together a diverse group of researchers from different countries that approach the governance of the oceans from various perspectives, cases, and fields. Based on sound research, the book sets the parameters to think critically about the multiple challenges regarding the matter.' -- Eduardo Svartman, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
'Ocean governance is one of the most critical issues of the 21st century. Even more formidable than the gaps in scientific knowledge will be sustainably and equitably using ocean resources, not least because oceans are vastly different spaces from land. Governing Oceans skillfully navigates these challenges, melding various disciplinary insights and exploring solutions that consider oceans from fresh spatial and societal perspectives.' -- Tabitha Grace Mallory, China Ocean Institute and University of Washington, US
'Working across disciplines, Governing Oceans provides a wide-ranging analysis of some of today's most pressing ocean governance issues, from marine spatial planning, to the protection of cultural heritage, cooperation between agencies and actors, and the challenge of enforcement at sea.' -- Timothy Edmunds, Bristol University, UK



Book Information
ISBN 9781035315581
Author Catherine Jones
Format Hardback
Page Count 204
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd