Stephenson Ocean Security Project

The Stephenson Ocean Security Project (SOS) is focused on the links between ocean health and global security

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The Project will highlight how marine resource disputes drive instability in key regions of the globe and the ways that climate change is exacerbating this challenge through degraded ecosystems and the opening of new areas to potential exploitation.

The SOS Project is committed to promoting solutions that support sustainable development, coalition building, and the need for American leadership.

All content by Stephenson Ocean Security Project

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Reeling In Abuse

IUU fishing creates a market for seafood harvested or processed using forced labor. By leveraging existing transparency requirements and enhancing analysis and enforcement, the U.S. government can deter companies from utilizing forced labor in their seafood supply chains.

Report by ​Marti Flacks , Jacqueline Lewis , and David McKean — February 15, 2022

Ocean Security Forum 2021

The Stephenson Ocean Security Project highlights the ways that global security challenges arise from marine resource competition and works towards solutions that support sustainable development, coalition building, and the need for American leadership.

Event by Whitley Saumweber , Secretary Carlos Del Toro , Monica Medina , Admiral Karl Schultz , Paul Woods , Beth Lowell , Duncan Copeland , Dr. Jared Dunnmon , and Dr. Ian Ralby — December 16, 2021

Oceans of Opportunity: Southeast Asia’s Shared Maritime Challenges

CSIS held a three-part virtual conference in June 2021 on the maritime challenges facing Southeast Asian states. This white paper discusses urgent human, ecological, food, and climate security issues in the region’s oceans and steps to address these challenges.

Report by Danielle Fallin , Gregory B. Poling , Amanda Ingram , and Simon Tran Hudes — September 10, 2021

Oceans of Opportunity: Southeast Asia’s Shared Maritime Challenges, Session Three

CSIS presents “Oceans of Opportunity: Southeast Asia’s Shared Maritime Challenges.” This final session will feature remarks from John Edgar (Environment Office Chief, USAID Philippines) and expert panel discussions on adapting to climate change and avenues for regional cooperation.

Event by Gregory B. Poling , Whitley Saumweber , John Edgar , Laura David , Jurgenne Primavera , John McManus , Amanda Hsiao , and Jay Batongbacal — June 21, 2021

Oceans of Opportunity: Southeast Asia’s Shared Maritime Challenges, Session Two

​CSIS presents “Oceans of Opportunity: Southeast Asia’s Shared Maritime Challenges.” This session will feature expert panel discussions on combatting plastic pollution and preserving the law of the sea.

Event by Gregory B. Poling , Whitley Saumweber , Secretary Roy Cimatu , Deo Onda , Sandra Whitehouse , Dini Trisyanti , Antonio Carpio , Tara Davenport , Xiao Recio-Blanco , and Jay Batongbacal — June 14, 2021

Oceans of Opportunity: Southeast Asia’s Shared Maritime Challenges, Session One

​CSIS presents “Oceans of Opportunity: Southeast Asia’s Shared Maritime Challenges.” This session will feature expert panel discussions on protecting threatened fisheries and bolstering maritime domain awareness.

Event by Gregory B. Poling , John Law , Gloria Ramos , Kent Carpenter , Mudjekeewis Santos , Laura David , Christopher Merritt , Xylee Paculba , and Nick Lambert — June 7, 2021

Online Event: Strategic Perspectives on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

Please join us for a conversation with senior members of the U.S. national security and foreign policy communities on how the nature of the challenge is evolving and the ways in which we can better respond to meet it.

Event by Admiral Karl Schultz , Admiral Craig S. Faller , Rear Admiral (ret) Tim Gallaudet , Dr. Benjamin S. Purser III , and Dr. Whitley Saumweber — September 17, 2020

Covid-19 at Sea: Impacts on the Blue Economy, Ocean Health, and Ocean Security

Ships move 90 percent of cargo. Fisheries employ 50 million people and feed over 1 billion. CSIS experts on ocean security and human rights explore how Covid-19 will shape the way the ocean connects and feeds the world—and affect the lives of the people who depend on it.

Commentary by Whitley Saumweber , Amy K. Lehr , Ty Loft , and Sabrina Kim — April 10, 2020

A Conversation with U.S. Senator Tom Udall on Addressing Plastic Waste

The CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project and Energy Security and Climate Change Program are pleased to welcome Senator Tom Udall who will share his views on U.S. efforts to address plastic waste.

Event by Sarah Ladislaw , Whitley Saumweber , and Senator Tom Udall — February 28, 2020

Second Annual Ocean Security Forum

Please join the CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project for the Second Annual Ocean Security Forum. This year's event will address human rights abuses in the global seafood industry and the expansion of China’s distant-water fishing fleet.

Event by Whitley Saumweber and Jonathan E. Hillman — January 7, 2020