How science can inform effective regional ecosystem-based ocean governance The Convention is addressing all transboundary environmental problems – not just fisheries One of the general principles is to apply management measures based on the best scientific evidence available; At the apex of our Convention is the Ministerial Conference. It is a multi-sectorial structure (fisheries, environment, transport, and minerals and energy) Ministers have a mandate to take policy actions necessary to facilitate the effective implementation of SAP; they approve the work plan and budget; Out of eight thematic areas in our SAP, five are of natural sciences (LMR, non-LMR, Productivity and environmental variability, pollution, EHB, human dimension, governance, blue economy).

The Convention establishes regional structures of cooperation How do we do it? The Convention establishes regional structures of cooperation Ecosystem Advisory Committee (EAC) provides best scientific advice and relevant information available. EAC is served by regional working groups including: SPWG, DFWG, DIM, MSP Recommendations from the EAC submitted to Ministerial Conference through the Commission to inform policy actions at national and regional levels

Recent examples of science to governance Information on biodiversity mapping used to inform the creation of MPA, and EBSAs Information from marine environment observation has become integral part of fisheries management Science concluded that deep-water hake is shared between Namibia and SA. A framework for joint management is under consideration. National Plans of Actions (NPOA) for reducing bycatches of seabirds and turtles in the fisheries revised.

Example science to policy Ecological Risks Assessments Reviews of major fisheries conducted; results used to improve fisheries management. Eg. development of management plans for key fisheries currently on-going in the region Pollution hotspots identified and draft regional framework on pollution management developed Science evidence and information is used in the MSP that is being main streamed into the national policies of the Parties.

Recent request by Ministerial Conference Conduct studies on phosphate mining and other marine activities in order to understand the viability and impacts of such to the ecosystem. Establishment of regional oil regional oil spill preparedness and response center. Direct the collaboration on research and in combating pollution in particular micro-plastic pollution,

Final remark It is science that convinced Parties to work collaboratively at regional level As a transboundary LME which is very complex, transboundary research collaboration on both the marine environment and on resources is essential. The regional approach for eventual joint / aligned policies of maritime activities is fundamental and this is recognized by the participating States.