International Social Science Journal (Chinese Edition)

No.1, 2020

Challenges from the fragmentation of the governance of oceans in the world and solutions (Abstract)

Zheng Zhihua and Song Xiaoyi

Fragmentation of the governance of global oceans is an epitome of fragmentation of global governance and a reflection of fragmentation of international law. The key reasons for the fragmentation are the legislative ideas under the principle of ocean zoning and the management approach under the principle of functionalism in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The fragmentation of governance has led to multiple problems and challenges, such as increasing pollution of the marine environment, sharp declines of marine biological resources, frequent intrusions on the safety and freedom of navigation, frequent maritime disputes between countries, etc. To deal with these problems and challenges, we shall launch and establish “World Ocean Organization” with the vision of “Maritime Community with Shared Future” in time. Based on the approach of inclusive ocean governance, we should integrate existing fragmented governance institutions and policies, optimize the global ocean governance system, and promote good governance of the global oceans.