The Ocean - Independent state

The Problem

Based on a discussion with the head of sustainability at a major US bank. An example: America only became great after it declared independence. By extension, The Ocean can resolve its problems by declaring independance from the surrounding countires which currently use its resources for free. The ocean declares independence. Starts to charge for services that have traditionally been provided for free . Levies 1% on fishing. 0.1% on shipping . $1 per tonne for CO2 sequestration. $10 per tonne for effluent. (Perhaps later to avoid advantage being taken of this) $100 per tonne for plastics. Uses global fishing watch tracker and satellites for the information. It uses this revenue to fund MPAs and other critical restoration activities. Full authority of open ocean. 50/50 of EEZs. 25% of coastal waters. People of all nations can become citizens. The bill for each country is calculated and posted regardless of whether they are paying or not. Two numbers, from the date of the UN conference on the Oceans and from the start of the industrial revolution. This highly controversial approach would raise the profile of the issue and help focus the discussion on how much the sums are, rather than whether or not it is reasonable to charge for the services. The topic could be debated at the MUN - model United Nations - which is the youth branch of the UN. The debate would explore the intricacies of the issue, recognising that success will not occur overnight

Our Proposal

The Ocean declares independence and applies for membership of the UN

We Assume that...

It would take a long time to realise this proposal

Constraints to Overcome

This is a highly controversial proposal intended to stimulate discussion

Current Work

A higher profile for The Ocean, along with sufficient income for it to spend on the resolution of Ocean problems

Current Needs

Share the idea with public forums and websites