Ocean law, policies, and regulation

Since the inception of international law, global frameworks and conventions have played a central role in ocean governance. In looking to the field of ocean and human health, analysis of ocean law, policies, and regulation is essential in acknowledging the critical connection between the well-being of the ocean and the well-being of humanity. This chapter provides an overview of international ocean and marine law, examining vital conventions and agreements that have entered into force across the decades, and explaining their impact on ocean and human health. While not detailing every framework drafted at the international level, the chapter instead highlights a specific few which truly illuminate the interconnectedness between the people and the planet, concluding by looking to the future of ocean and human health governance to identify how the field must advance to preserve the health of all life existing on the planet.