Ocean Guardianship

We partner with Ocean-dependent and Indigenous communities to uphold and amplify their existing strengths, legal traditions, and stewardship practices. Through collaborative, values-based legal support, the Department advances community-led approaches to Ocean governance rooted in justice, reciprocity, and relational care.

Ocean Guardianship refers to a relationship-based, care-centered approach to protecting and sustaining the Ocean, rooted in values of reciprocity, respect, and interdependence between people and marine ecosystems. It represents more than environmental stewardship – it is a spiritual, cultural, and legal paradigm that recognises the Ocean as a living relative, not merely a resource or economic commodity.

We accompany and support frontline Ocean stewards in their efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems, advance Ocean equity, and reimagine Ocean governance by:

Providing legal research and policy analysis that centres local and Indigenous knowledge

Strengthening community capacity for legal advocacy and rights-based approaches

Co-creating legal tools and frameworks that reflect the values of reciprocity, stewardship, and justice

Promoting the recognition of Ocean Rights as essential to both ecological and human wellbeing