Transformative ocean governance and just transitions towards a sustainable blue economy

Title: Transformative ocean governance and just transitions towards a sustainable blue economy

Funded by: University of Plymouth

Location: Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, North Devon World Surfing Reserve (UK); Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, Noosa World Surfing Reserve, and Manly Beach World Surfing Reserve (Australia), North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Duration: April 2021 – December 2025

Project partners: University of Plymouth, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, North Devon World Surfing Reserve, Noosa World Suring Reserve, Australia, Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, Manly and Freshwater World Surfing Reserve, North Devon Biosphere

University of Plymouth PI:

Kizzy Beaumont

University of Plymouth staff: Professor Sian Rees , Professor Martin Attrill , Dr Claire Kelly

Summary

Transformative ocean governance (TOG) is an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to managing marine environments. It seeks to rebalance the relationship between people and the ocean by aligning economic development with ecological sustainability, social equity, and cultural integrity.

TOG moves beyond traditional top-down management models by embracing inclusive, participatory, and place-based governance processes. It brings together diverse stakeholders, from local communities and indigenous groups to policymakers, scientists, and civil society, to co-create more just, resilient, and sustainable ocean futures.

This research, led by Kizzy Beaumont, examines how TOG is being applied in practice and whether it delivers on its transformative promise. It forms part of a PhD that explores evolving local marine governance by investigating how emergent marine initiatives in the UK and internationally act as potential vehicles for systemic change.

Objectives

The overarching aim of this project is to critically assess the social, ecological, and economic impacts of TOG in practice. Drawing on qualitative case study research and grounded in theories of reflexive governance, co-production, and social-ecological systems, the work develops and applies a bespoke TOG framework to evaluate the extent to which these new governance models are inclusive, equitable, and capable of delivering long-term sustainability outcomes.

Key research objectives include:

Assessing how governance innovations in marine and coastal areas foster or constrain transformative change

Identifying enablers and barriers that shape progression towards more just and sustainable ocean futures

Evaluating how locally grounded initiatives contribute to wider national and global marine governance agendas.

Case studies

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (UK)

As the UK's first designated National Marine Park, Plymouth Sound represents an evolving model of place-based marine stewardship. This case study explores how the park promotes ocean literacy, access, and civic engagement as mechanisms for driving social and cultural dimensions of marine governance.

Through public programming, educational initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships, the park seeks to foster a sense of shared responsibility for the marine environment. Our TOG research examines how these efforts contribute to more inclusive and participatory forms of governance, and how they enable communities to shape and sustain transformative change in ocean management.

North Devon: World Surfing Reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (UK)

This dual designation presents a unique opportunity to explore overlapping marine governance frameworks and how they shape desirable and undesirable coastal futures.

The North Devon World Surfing Reserve (WSR), the first of its kind in the UK, highlights the role of place-based identity, stewardship, and surf culture in ocean protection.

The adjacent UNESCO Biosphere Reserve introduces a longer-standing model of sustainability governance rooted in ecosystem services, co-design, and community engagement. This case explores how these designations interact and whether their combined presence enhances TOG outcomes.

Australian World Surfing Reserves: Noosa, Gold Coast, and Manly Freshwater

These three internationally recognised World Surfing Reserves offer a comparative lens through which to examine the scalability and adaptability of TOG frameworks across different national and cultural contexts. Each reserve is embedded within distinct political, ecological, and community governance systems.

This case study investigates how the WSR model is implemented in Australia, how it reflects or challenges dominant coastal governance norms, and what lessons can be drawn for global application. Themes include civic-led governance, legal pluralism, surfing as a vector for marine stewardship, and the interaction between local knowledge and formal planning processes.