The role of science in ocean governance

Sustainable governance of the ocean demands a more integral and timely role for science. Although, science has played a limited role in global ocean governance regimes, science has made essential contributions to governance on regional scales, particularly when there is strong scientific consensus, clear identification of problems and solutions, and convergence with cultural ideas. Science is especially challenged to contribute to: understanding intergenerational and interspatial effects, addressing inherent uncertainty about the behavior of marine ecosystems, and integrated ecological-economic models and assessments needed for adaptive management. Pressing issues requiring stronger inclusion of science in ocean governance include the global nitrogen cycle and coastal eutrophication, irreversible habitat degradation, sustainable exploitation of living resources, and the effects of climate change on ocean and coastal environments. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.