Sargasso Sea: industry participation in developing potential voluntary measure – Stakeholder consultation event

The concept

The Sargasso Sea Commission has, over more than a decade, developed a collaborative, science-based approach to the conservation of a uniquely important high seas ecosystem. Its recent Socio-Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis (SEDA) provides a robust evidence base on:

• The ecological and socio-economic value of the Sargasso Sea
• Key pressures and risks affecting the region
• Potential pathways for long-term conservation through a Strategic Action Programme (SAP).

For BIMCO members, this initiative is particularly relevant because:

• Shipping is a key user of the Sargasso Sea, and therefore central to any realistic and proportionate solution
• It represents a pilot case for how shipping can engage constructively in discussions on the implementation of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) in a way that is operationally practical and globally scalable
• It provides an opportunity to ensure that any proposed measures reflect real-world ship operations, avoiding unnecessary burden while delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.

Focus of the consultation and the stakeholder event 

The stakeholder meeting, which is supported by BIMCO, aims to provide a Project update, explain the SEDA findings relevant to the international shipping industry, and discuss potential voluntary measures and areas for collaboration that might mitigate identified impacts and as a result contribute to the overall conservation and stewardship of the Sargasso Sea.

By close engagement and ongoing consultation, the Project is focused on building and maintaining a cross-sector “level playing field”, through the collaborative creation of potential voluntary behaviours, activities and systems such as:

• Spatial and temporal / seasonal passage planning measures – routing & speed variations – to mitigate cetacean impacts when and where they may occur, including existing technological solutions to improve vessel awareness of the proximity of migrating cetaceans, or other vulnerable fauna
• Potential operational measures related to underwater radiated noise reduction, and adoption of management procedures associated with ballast water, waste discharge, and fuel usage
• Proactive collaborative measures to maintain and further develop appropriate understanding of the ecosystem’s state by suitable – but not burdensome – voluntary monitoring & reporting of high seas flora and fauna
• Feasible incentivisation, certification, recognition & reward systems for voluntary compliance.

Of course, the Project is very open to any new ideas brought forward by participants and stakeholders. 

Furthermore, whilst the focus of this collaboration is the Sargasso Sea, this Project is seen as a "pilot project" with a potential role in signposting how the international shipping industry might proactively engage in the BBNJ Agreement implementation globally.

BIMCO is supportive of ongoing engagement between the shipping industry and the Sargasso Sea Commission, particularly as this work helps to shape practical, industry-informed approaches to environmental stewardship in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), in line with wider developments under the BBNJ Agreement and we would encourage members to participate to ensure that any measures are operational feasible and proportionate. 

More details, including a detailed agenda and online joining instructions will be available shortly but to express intention to attend please contact Kevin Fleming, kevin.fleming@nlai.blue.