This Open Access book on Ocean Governance examines sustainability challenges facing our oceans
today. The book is organized into three sections: knowledge systems policy foundations and
thematic analyses. The knowledge produced in the book was catalyzed by the scientific outcomes
within the European-funded Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) network Ocean
Governance for Sustainability - Challenges Options and the Role of Science. This network
brings together scientists policy-makers and civil society representatives from 28 nation
states to cooperate on ocean governance research. This book offers a compilation of new
research material including focused case studies broad policy syntheses and reflective
chapters on the history and current status of knowledge production systems on ocean governance.
New research material is presented although some chapters draw on secondary sources. The book
starts with synthetic review chapters from the editors outlining past and present knowledge
systems addressing how and why ocean governance for sustainability is where it currently
stands with critical reflections on existing narratives path dependencies and colonialist
histories. This is followed by chapters addressing synthesizing and analyzing different legal
and policy frameworks for ocean governance both regionally and internationally. At the core of
the book are the thematic analyses which provide focused case studies with detailed contextual
information in support of different ocean governance challenges and sustainability pathways
around the world. The book concludes with a chapter explicitly targeting students researchers
and policy-makers with key take-away messages compiled by the editors.
