Marine Policy

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Oceans present a unique challenge for governance policy: they are spatially interconnected, highly dynamic over time, and inspire complex human-environment interactions, all at an immense scale that is challenging to monitor and regulate. In this course, students will explore the different conceptual frameworks and organizational arrangements of marine governance. We will examine the history of maritime law and governance structures at different scales and spaces around the world’s oceans. Students will also evaluate how well these policy approaches and institutions address current concerns for regulating fisheries and other resources, mitigating climate change, connecting globalized markets, and supporting the health of our planet. Students will also contribute to an applied ocean policy project such as working in partnership with local organizations during the Hawai'i State Legislative session.

Credit: 3