COURSE UNIT AIMS
The Ocean Studies program combines diverse fields—science and technology, data analysis, economics, law, and social sciences—creating a holistic educational experience that is rarely found in traditional programs. It’s designed to prepare you for the multifaceted challenges of our ocean’s future. Policies, Sustainability and Governance course examines how oceans are governed as shared global commons, exploring the interplay between international law, national policy, science, and sustainability. Students will analyse major frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), regional fisheries management, marine biodiversity conservation, and emerging issues like deep-sea mining, climate change, and blue economy development. Through lectures, discussions, case studies, and policy analysis, students will develop a critical understanding of how governance systems shape ocean sustainability and how policy innovation can address future ocean challenges.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Knowledge and Understanding:
The course provides students with essential tools to explain the principles and evolution of international ocean governance.
Subject-Specific Skills:
Analyse key treaties, conventions, and institutional mechanisms (UNCLOS, IMO, CBD, etc.). Evaluate the role of national and regional policies in sustainable ocean management. Assess human impacts on marine ecosystems through policy and governance lenses.
General Skills:
Develop policy recommendations for sustainable ocean use and protection. Communicate complex governance issues through written and oral presentation formats.
ASSESSMENT
The weight of the final exam is 40% (it should not be less than 30% nor exceed 70%). Continuous assessment elements (and their weights): class participation & discussion (20%), written research paper (20%), oral classroom presentation (20%) and final exam (40%).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Carson, R. (1991). The sea trilogy: Under the sea-wind; The sea around us; The edge of the sea. Penguin Books.
Czerski, H. (2024). The blue machine: How the ocean works. Penguin Random House.
Green, D. R., & Payne, J. (2017). Marine and coastal resource management: Principles and practice. Routledge Earthscan Oceans.
Heffernan, O. (2025). The high seas: Ambition, power and greed on the unclaimed ocean. Profile Books.
Myles, P. B. (2017). Maritime clusters and the ocean economy: An integrated approach to managing coastal and marine space. Routledge.
Sachs, J. D. (2015). The age of sustainable development. Columbia University Press.
Zacharias, M. (2014). Marine policy: An introduction to the governance and international law of the oceans. Routledge.
- Teacher: Jorge Oliveira e Carmo