Covering more than two-thirds of Earth’s surface, the ocean holds some of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity and contributes to the vital cycles that keep our planet—and people—healthy. It provides important food sources and supports diverse ecosystems that are crucial to the livelihoods of communities worldwide.

However, the health of the ocean is in decline. Technological advancements have made nearly every inch of the world’s marine waters increasingly accessible and vulnerable to extractive activities, including large-scale fishing, energy development and deep-sea mining. Habitat destruction caused by human activities is further compounded by the impacts of a changing climate.

These cumulative threats cannot be tackled by any nation nor any sector alone, and gaps in global ocean governance can be addressed effectively only through international cooperation. Since the ocean is an interconnected natural system governed by a patchwork of domestic and international jurisdictions, countries must work together to manage and safeguard its resources.

To meaningfully change the way the ocean’s natural assets are respected and protected, The Pew Charitable Trusts is working closely with governments, key stakeholders and partner organizations to develop policy mechanisms to address the negative human impacts on marine ecosystems.

The ocean governance project combines Pew’s efforts to: 

  1. Implement and improve the World Trade Organization’s fisheries subsidies agreement. 
  2. Secure and advance the United Nations high seas treaty. 
  3. Secure and further execute the Convention on Biological Diversity’s target to protect 30% of global land and marine areas by 2030. 
  4. Engage with the International Seabed Authority to ensure deep sea mining is prohibited unless effective protection of the marine environment can be assured.
Protecting Ocean Life on the High Seas
Protecting Ocean Life on the High Seas
Project

Protecting Ocean Life on the High Seas

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The high seas make up about two-thirds of the world’s ocean, covering the vast expanses beyond the jurisdiction of any country. Research has shown that the high seas hold some of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity on Earth, supporting abundant fisheries, providing migratory routes for whales and sharks, and harboring remarkable ecosystems such as deep-water corals and other majestic marine life.

Reducing Harmful Fisheries Subsidies
Reducing Harmful Fisheries Subsidies
Project

Reducing Harmful Fisheries Subsidies

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The Pew Charitable Trusts’ project on reducing harmful fishing subsidies is working with WTO members, scientists, and other stakeholders to secure this agreement and substantially reduce those subsidies that are harmful to fisheries.

Seabed Mining
Seabed Mining
Project

Seabed Mining Project

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The cold, dark waters of the deep sea once were thought to be largely void of life, but scientists now know that the opposite is true. Underwater mountain chains teem with fish, corals, and other fauna. Hydrothermal vents gush mineral-rich waters that support communities of deep-sea organisms.

OUR WORK