By Elizabeth Claire Alberts WASHINGTON, 11 JUNE 2026 (MONGABAY) — The deep-sea mining industry could launch in the near future in U.S federal waters. Yet legal experts and former government officials warn that the regulations that would govern this industry are outdated and lack important oversight provisions. In April 2025, the Trump administration signaled its […]
Tag: ocean governance
Posted inBillboard
World Oceans Day Highlights Pacific’s Deep Connection to the Ocean
By: Ngeldei Tulop From Palau to Polynesia, Pacific Island nations marked World Oceans Day on Monday by emphasizing the importance of protecting marine resources as climate change and other environmental pressures continue to affect ocean ecosystems. For Pacific Island nations, the ocean serves as more than a source of food and economic activity. It is […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau to Co-Chair First Global Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo
KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. will co-chair the inaugural Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo next week, bringing together leaders from around 30 island nations to address climate resilience, ocean governance and sustainable management of marine resources. The June 3-4 summit, hosted by The Nippon Foundation in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign […]
Posted inBillboard
Technology Must Be Affordable, Reliable for Small Islands,’ Palau President Urges at World Ocean Summit
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau called Thursday for “sustained collaboration and equitable access to technology” as cornerstones of ocean governance, delivering the keynote at the 13th World Ocean Summit hosted by The Economist. Speaking for Small Island Developing States battered by climate change, Whipps insisted tech solutions […]
Posted inIn Focus
Ocean Experts: Protection — Nearshore and Offshore — Remains Top Priority as High Seas Treaty Comes into Force
WASHINGTON, 22 JANUARY 2026 (PRISTINE SEAS) — On 17 January, the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement — known as the High Seas Treaty — came into force. The agreement provides a legal framework for nations to create and manage marine protected areas on the high […]
Posted inIn Focus
Deep sea mining is the next geopolitical frontline – and the Pacific is in the crosshairs
By Viliame Kasanawaqa CANBERRA, 22 JANUARY 2026 (THE CONVERSATION) —i When the United States recently escalated its confrontation with Venezuela – carrying out strikes in Caracas and capturing President Nicolás Maduro – the moves were framed as political intervention. But the raid also reflected a deeper contest over oil and critical mineral supply chains. For […]