How does gjerde describe the high seas

Overview

The high seas, defined as ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction, encompass about 64% of the ocean's surface and 45% of the Earth's total surface, making them a critical global commons. Historically, these waters were largely unregulated until the 20th century, with key developments including the 1958 Geneva Conventions and the landmark 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which entered into force in 1994. UNCLOS established the high seas as the 'common heritage of mankind,' governed by principles of freedom of navigation, fishing, and scientific research, but with limited enforcement mechanisms. In recent decades, issues like overfishing, pollution, and climate change have highlighted governance gaps, leading to initiatives such as the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 for ocean conservation and ongoing negotiations for a new treaty. Gjerde, a prominent scholar in ocean governance, has focused on these challenges, advocating for stronger international frameworks to address biodiversity loss and unsustainable exploitation in these vast, shared waters.

How It Works

The governance of the high seas operates under UNCLOS, which sets legal frameworks but relies on flag states to enforce regulations on vessels registered under their jurisdiction. Key mechanisms include regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) that manage fishing activities, though their effectiveness varies, with about 34% of global fish stocks being overfished as of 2020. Pollution control involves international agreements like the MARPOL Convention, but enforcement is weak, contributing to issues such as plastic pollution, with an estimated 5.25 trillion particles in the ocean. Scientific research is coordinated through bodies like the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, but data gaps persist. Gjerde describes how these fragmented systems lead to 'tragedy of the commons' scenarios, where lack of centralized authority results in overexploitation. She emphasizes the need for integrated approaches, such as marine protected areas (MPAs) and the proposed 2023 UN High Seas Treaty, which aims to establish binding rules for conservation and sustainable use, including benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources.

Why It Matters

The high seas matter because they play a vital role in global ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, regulating climate through carbon sequestration, and providing resources like fisheries that feed billions. However, threats like overfishing and pollution jeopardize these functions, with impacts extending to coastal communities and economies. Gjerde's work highlights the real-world significance of improving governance to prevent irreversible damage, such as species extinction and disrupted food chains. Applications of her advocacy include influencing policy debates, such as the UN treaty negotiations, and promoting sustainable practices in industries like shipping and fishing. Ultimately, protecting the high seas is crucial for achieving global sustainability goals, ensuring equitable access to marine resources, and preserving these areas for future generations as a shared global asset.