This book analyses the development of national, regional and international initiatives and arrangements directed towards governance of the world's seas and oceans. It examines the factors shaping oceans governance, the supports and constraints affecting policy development and implementation, and the links between and within international, regional and national initiatives.
In addition to discussion of international and selected regional initiatives, including the development of a maritime policy by the EU, the authors outline the processes and outcomes that have arisen in the development of oceans policy in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US. The analysis centres on the key elements of institutional design, policy capacity, and the policy framework adopted as important supports to facilitate integrated oceans management.