Maritime Boundaries

Lines in the sand, lines in the sea

Our coasts – the interface between land and sea – are exposed to the effects of climate change, and also have significance for our thinking about boundaries, livelihoods, governance and culture. Panellists from science, law, the Torres Strait, and Pacific fisheries management share their perspectives on why boundaries are important, and how climate change might have an impact. Geo-marine and legal researchers from the Marine Studies Institute at The University of Sydney discuss why we need to understand better how climate change will impact our coasts, especially in areas often at the forefront of its impacts, such as coral reefs and islands.

What factors might make these areas more susceptible to changing oceans and climates? What are some of the climate change challenges in the Torres Strait, especially for indigenous communities which call low-lying coral islands their home? From a legal perspective, should we be concerned that coastal degradation might shrink a country’s maritime zones? And what can we learn from the experience of Pacific countries about how agreed lines in the sea have contributed to successful marine management in the region (e.g., fisheries)? Join us for a discussion-style panel exploring different perspectives on these important questions.