The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has embraced its role in Maritime and Marine Governance. In this regard, we believe it is imperative that we facilitate discussions on how we can enhance ocean governance. UTT’s Maritime Studies programme proposes to offer a forum to bring together our key regional oceans governance organisations for the purposes of determining avenues for enhancing cooperation and coordination. The outcome of this symposium should be the development of an effective mechanism and methodology of communication and information sharing among stakeholders involved in regional oceans governance.

Effective management of the living resources of the oceans is predicated on integrated management strategies, uniformly implemented across maritime zones and areas beyond national jurisdiction. Disparities in the legal and regulatory frameworks and challenges in enforcement of marine and maritime law, by the countries that constitute the wider Caribbean area are the core challenges to effective regional oceans governance.

The Caribbean Sea, like most of the marine areas of the world is heavily impacted by two primary sources of pollution, Land Based and Vessel Source. While the latter accounts for less than 12% of pollution, it remains one of the most targeted areas for international regulation. Land based sources of marine pollution are far more difficult to regulate and manage. It is widely accepted that greater integration of policy and better application of marine surveillance assets is needed for more effective ocean governance.

UNEP (2016) in summarising considerations for ecosystem based management, provided options for new and existing regional oceans governance mechanisms and underscored the need for enhancing cooperation and coordination. The report further highlighted three (3) strategic dead ends to be avoided:

1. Bypassing existing regional oceans governance mechanisms in cases where they are deemed weak or unable to deliver change;
2. Developing action plans without seriously considering future implementation issues, means, resources and actors; and
3. Proclaiming the importance of regional oceans governance while failing to strengthen weak regional governance mechanisms

The report also suggested that:

1. The mandates of various regional oceans governance mechanisms are revised to fill gaps and facilitate implementation
2. That informal cooperation and coordination are promoted as this is often more realistic than formal re-organisations

This Symposium will see stakeholders identify areas for improvement whereby workshops can then be facilitated for building upon those identified areas.

The local legal and policy landscape must also be explored as a case study of implementation of international and regional initiatives. Relevant Ministries, Agencies and Divisions will be asked to provide updates on their existing challenges and plans that affect ocean governance. It is expected that these contributions will provide the foundation for a panel discussion to crystalise the gaps, issues and areas of focus.

UNEP2016: Regional Oceans Governance Making Regional Seas Programmes, Regional Fishery Bodies and Large Marine Ecosystem Mechanisms Work Better Together, R Bille, L. Chabason, P. Dramkier, E Molenaar, J. Rochette. UNEP Regional Seas Report and Studies No.196

Ms. Vivian Rambarath - Parasram
Assistant Professor - Maritime Studies
Symposium Chair