Regional Ocean Governance: A Review of Existing Formalised Cooperation between Regional Seas Organisations and other Intergovernmental Organisations

The last 20-30 years have seen widespread and repeated calls for enhancing cooperation and coordination in the realm of regional ocean governance. This report provides an overview of existing formalised cooperation between Regional Seas Organisations (RSOs), Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and Regional Fisheries Advisory Bodies (RFABs), Regional Economic Commissions (RECs) and other intergovernmental bodies. Drawing on previously agreed recommendations on priority actions and priority areas for cooperation, it assesses experiences to date and collates information that may inform future steps in pursuit of integrated regional ocean governance. A broad review is supplemented by six case studies which explore motivations for cooperation and factors contributing to success.