What Is Ocean Zoning?

Source: Marine Conservation Biology Institute

Ocean zoning would fundamentally change the way we govern the sea, from the current activity- or species-based approach to a place-based approach.

It would use peoples’ understanding of the differences among ecosystems and human interests to reduce harm to the sea while reducing conflicts. Fishes and fishermen, sea turtles and coastal property owners would all benefit. Past approaches — letting anybody do whatever they want no matter how it harms our oceans and managing species one-by-one — have failed to maintain the sea’s biodiversity.

This sectoral approach only led to each of the separate groups exploiting the sea’s resources as much as possible without considering the consequences of their actions for the rest of the ocean.

Ocean zoning would fundamentally change the way we govern the sea. This concept is not new. Nations as diverse as Australia, Belgium and China are already using ecosystem-based management techniques to improve their ocean management.