Research partners
Seven ocean research institutions
GRC High Seas brings together ocean research institutions to strengthen scientific cooperation and support sustainable management of high seas fisheries. Through shared research and knowledge exchange, partners aim to build understanding, trust and collaboration for high seas fisheries.
Korea Maritime Institute (KMI)
The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) is a government-funded national policy research institute of the Republic of Korea established to support the development of maritime and fisheries policies. KMI conducts interdisciplinary research and policy analysis covering ocean governance, fisheries, maritime affairs, shipping, ports, logistics, and fishing communities. In the fisheries sector, KMI’s research focuses on sustainable fisheries, international fisheries governance, and responses to emerging international fisheries issues. Through evidence-based research, policy advisory services, and international cooperation, KMI supports government decision-making and works closely with government agencies and relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable fisheries management and effective fisheries policies.
Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU)
Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) is a multidisciplinary, applied research university, co-established by the State Oceanic Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. In September 2017, it was elected into the World First-Class Disciplines Project for higher education in China. SHOU is one of the top research institutions in China for fisheries research, particularly China’s distant water fisheries. It is equipped with research platforms, including the National Engineering Research Center for Distant-Water Fisheries, Key Laboratories under the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the China Distant-Water Fisheries Data Center, and the Distant-Water Fisheries Training Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Graduate Institute of Marine Affairs (GIMA), National Sun Yat-sen University
The Graduate Institute of Marine Affairs (GIMA) at National Sun Yat-sen University is an interdisciplinary research and education institute within the College of Marine Sciences, focusing on ocean governance, marine policy, and the sustainable use of marine resources. Established in 2006, GIMA brings together expertise in marine science, fisheries, law, economics, policy, and social sciences to address complex marine and fisheries issues. Its work covers international ocean governance, fisheries management, marine conservation, blue economy, marine spatial planning, and environmental change and adaptation. GIMA also maintains close engagement with government agencies, industry, and international organisations, providing policy-relevant research and expertise on marine affairs.
Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI)
As a Think, Do, and Innovate-Tank, Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) takes a comprehensive view of a wide range of ocean-related issues, analyzing challenges through a scientific approach that integrates the natural and social sciences and humanities. We propose feasible strategies as a reference for policymakers in the international community and strive to engender an environment conducive to making these policies a reality. At OPRI, we are committed to using policy research approaches to assist in resolving the myriad marine challenges we face and help establish new ocean governance, ensuring future generations can enjoy healthy waters for years to come.
Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC)
The Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO, CSIC) is a National Research Center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, dedicated to research in marine science, especially the oceans, sustainability of fishing resources and the marine environment. Founded in 1914, the IEO provides scientific advice to administrations in oceanography and marine sciences. It is a public research organization working mainly in fishing, marine environment and aquaculture, carrying out basic and applied research. The IEO is the research and advisory body for fisheries policy and the advisory body of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Umineko Sustainability Institute (USI)
Umineko Sustainability Institute (USI) is a research institute dedicated to advancing sustainable fisheries policies and conserving and restoring marine biodiversity. USI was founded in Sapporo, Japan, in 2021 by a former official of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The institute convenes discussion groups composed of former government officials, researchers, fishers, and civil society organizations to develop policy proposals aimed at promoting sustainable, science-based fisheries management and expanding effectively managed marine protected areas in Japan.
Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS)
ANCORS is the only multidisciplinary university-based centre of its type in the Southern Hemisphere dedicated to delivering specialised research, advisory services, education and training in ocean law and policy, maritime security, and marine resources management. Originally established as the Centre for Maritime Policy in 1994, ANCORS has developed an unrivalled reputation for ocean research, education and capacity building. Offering a wide range of ocean-related expertise and professional experience, ANCORS has forged a strong reputation as a leading source of authoritative policy development advice and other support services to government, non-government and inter-governmental and agencies in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The Global Research Cooperative for High Seas Fisheries is an informal partnership of ocean research institutions supporting science and policy cooperation on high seas fisheries beyond existing regional fisheries management organisations and arrangements.
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A partnership of seven ocean research institutions