Explore the intersection of ocean conservation and national security.
About this project
The Stephenson Ocean Security (SOS) Project examines the intersection of ocean health and global security. It proposes policy solutions that support sustainable development and reduce conflict.
This project focuses on the ways ecological and socioeconomic changes interact to drive competition for marine resources and how such competition contributes to instability and geopolitical risk. Proposed policy solutions emphasize the ways effective ocean governance can moderate these risks and increase the resilience of both ecosystems and states against the destabilizing forces of change.
Spotlights
SOS Spotlight projects provide in depth analysis and novel research on regionally specific marine resource and security challenges. These deep dives are meant to examine particularly complex issues and advance the global dialog towards solutions.
Charting a New Arctic Ocean
Welcome to new and largely uncharted maritime space: the Arctic Ocean. Only 2 percent of its waters are charted to international standards. Its rapid emergence is the result of dramatic environmental changes. How will nations govern this changing ocean and preserve its most distinct features? How will they protect its biodiversity?
Illuminating the South China Sea’s Dark Fishing Fleets
Unseen fishing activity. Maritime militias in the Spratlys. Fishers have often been overlooked in the South China Sea disputes. CSIS, in cooperation with Vulcan, Inc., unveils a worrying narrative about the impact fishers and their fleets have in the region.
Latest Commentary
Distant-water Fishing along China’s Maritime Silk Road
To Share Or Not to Share? Biological Security Risks for Marine Genetic Resources on the High Seas
Are We Moving toward an Ocean Data Dystopia?