1. Regional Seas

The aim of the article is to offer an overview on the major regional organizations and institution dealing with maritime affaires, such as The Arctic Council working group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME), the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), Intergovernmental Meeting of the Coordinating Body of the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) and the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution (Barcelona Convention) and its protocols. In particular the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to global maritime affairs in 2020, delaying numerous regional meetings and conferences. Despite this, critical advancements were achieved, including the adoption of UNGA resolutions addressing seafarer challenges and global supply chains. In the Arctic, PAME launched shipping-related projects and approved guidelines for engaging Indigenous peoples. In the Antarctic, CCAMLR addressed IUU fishing and enhanced stock assessments. HELCOM worked towards updating the Baltic Sea Action Plan and adopted a Ministerial Declaration to tackle regional environmental threats. East Asia launched initiatives for Manila Bay rehabilitation and promoted eco-health strategies post-COVID-19. South Asia progressed in sustainable waste management and launched a regional plastic pollution project. The Mediterranean region adopted decisions under the Barcelona Convention, focusing on marine protection, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control. The Black Sea Commission worked on implementing its Strategic Action Plan to meet EcoQuality Objectives, while NOWPAP strengthened regional cooperation for marine environmental protection in the Northwest Pacific. These developments highlight continued international and regional efforts towards ocean governance and marine environmental sustainability despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.