More countries aim to manage their ocean areas sustainably
News story | Date: 24/09/2025 | Office of the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre chaired a meeting of the High-level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) during the UN General Assembly High-level Week in New York. Ocean and coastal nations that are not members of the Ocean Panel have also begun to commit to sustainably manage 100 % of the ocean areas under their national jurisdiction.
‘I am pleased that countries that are not members of the Ocean Panel, too, are now committing to ensure integrated, sustainable management of their ocean areas. We are seeing greater interest in the wake of this year’s UN Ocean Conference. The Ocean Panel has set a standard for how to establish and implement good management practices,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Combating climate change
Efforts to promote clean and sustainable oceans are key in the fight against climate change.
‘The members of the Ocean Panel have had constructive discussions about how we can work together to deliver on our commitments. Sustainable ocean economies will enhance prosperity for all,’ said Mr Støre.
At the meeting, the Ocean Panel launched its strategic action plan for the period 2026–2030. The plan identifies seven areas to be given priority, including global ocean monitoring, links between the oceans and climate change, food from the oceans, and financing. The members of the Ocean Panel agreed on a statement emphasising the need to increase support for global ocean monitoring in light of the cuts announced by the US.
‘These observation systems provide us with the information we need to facilitate knowledge-based, sustainable ocean management and play an important role in environmental monitoring and early warning of extreme weather events,’ said Mr Støre.
Combating marine litter
Under the Norwegian Oceans for Development Programme Norway is taking steps to help countries to develop and strengthen their ocean management regimes. Activities under the Norwegian Development Programme to Combat Marine Litter and Microplastics are targeted towards finding solutions to reduce marine litter.
‘The Ocean Panel now has 18 member countries which combined represent approximately 40 % of the world’s exclusive economic zones and coastlines. The Panel provides a good platform for promoting better understanding of the economic importance and environmental status of the oceans, and the impacts of climate change,’ said Mr Støre.
The Prime Minister co-chairs the Ocean Panel together with President of Palau Surangel S. Whipps Jr.
The Ocean Panel member countries are Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Palau, Portugal, Seychelles, the UAE and the UK.