Governing the ocean for a sustainable future: The Elgar Companion to Ocean Governance and the Sustainable Development Goals

This opening chapter of The Elgar Companion to Ocean Governance and the Sustainable Development Goals sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of ocean governance in the era of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development across the Companion's chapters. It highlights the ocean's central role in global sustainability, tracing the emergence and importance of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 ‘Life Below Water’ and its integration within the broader SDG framework. It examines critical advances in ocean governance, while acknowledging persistent gaps and challenges in implementation. Emphasising the interconnected nature of the diverse issue areas, the chapter calls for a strengthened governance architecture that bridges scales, sectors, and knowledge systems – towards and beyond 2030. The chapter concludes by outlining the book's structure and thematic parts, offering a roadmap for readers and reinforcing the need for transformative action to secure a sustainable and just future for the ocean.