Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely accepted as a vital tool for conserving and sustaining the wealth of the oceans. However, multiple challenges currently hinder MPA establishment in the two-thirds of the ocean beyond national boundaries, better known as the high seas and international seabed Area. This weekend workshop will explore past efforts at establishing high seas MPAs, ongoing initiatives to identify and protect priority places, and current discussions at the United Nations on a possible global agreement for high seas conservation and sustainable use. Such an agreement could, among other things set up a legal framework for adopting high seas MPAs.

Through lectures, videos, class discussions and debate, we will demystify the complex alphabet soup of laws, policies and institutions that guide, hinder and prompt progress beyond national jurisdiction. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the current legal tools for enhancing the conservation and sustainable management of the high seas and international seabed Area and apply this knowledge to one or more regional case studies. Based on lessons learned, the class will then identify key elements that should be contained in any future global agreement on high seas conservation and develop recommendations for policy-makers.