the effects climate change is having on the oceans and some of the resulting implications for international oceans governance. It describes short- and medium-term measures that could be taken to meet the challenges posed by a changing climate, while sustaining the vitality of the marine environment and protecting the lives and livelihoods of humans dependent on the oceans. Improvements to ensure effective, adaptable, transparent, and flexible oceans governance are required. These include: 1. An intergovernmental panel of scientists should