ABSTRACT
This chapter explores pelagic ecosystems and the expansive open oceans that cover half of Earth’s surface. These areas are far from immune to the impacts of global environmental change, as exemplified by ocean warming and acidification. Those impacts, combined with others, such as deoxygenation, pollution, and overexploitation, undermine pelagic ecosystems. As those ecosystems suffer, they diminish the ability of the oceans to compensate for humanity’s past and ongoing carbon dioxide emissions. The chapter describes the existing governance regime for the high seas, which is fragmented and ad hoc. It uses an analysis of regional fisheries management organisations to illustrate governance efforts on the high seas. These organisations have the potential to aid in adapting to the movement of fisheries, which is likely to arise due to climate-induced environmental changes, through cooperative management and designation of marine protected areas. A legally binding agreement on protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions would enhance the potential for more effective environmental governance on the high seas as the impacts of global environmental change become more pronounced.
