In a time when ocean ecosystems face growing pressure, countries and organisations across the region are finding new ways to work together. At the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Busan, Republic of Korea, the ATSEA Program joined a regional cooperation to establish a Regional Collaborative Network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for the East Asian Seas.
The initiative brings together nine organisations and projects that are working toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 target. Beyond setting aside more marine areas for protection, the effort is about building stronger connections among countries and communities working to protect the ocean.
The idea was first introduced during the East Asian Seas Congress in Xiamen, China, in December 2024. Since then, collaboration has begun to grow among PEMSEA, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC-WESTPAC), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Asia-Pacific, North-East Asian Marine Protected Areas Network (NEAMPAN), the GEF/UNEP/UNOPS South China Sea SAP (SCS-SAP) Implementation Project, and the ATSEA Program. The aim is to support each other through joint action, knowledge exchange, and regional coordination.
Sharing Knowledge and Aligning Priorities
Before the main conference, representatives from the nine groups gathered for a two-day workshop in Busan on 26 and 27 April 2025. The workshop was designed as an open space to share lessons, highlight challenges, and look for common ground.
Each organisation gave a short presentation on the current state of their work, the opportunities they see, and the problems they face. Visual displays and discussions helped bring the material to life. Organisers stressed the importance of linking MPAs across borders, not just establishing more of them.
Dr Handoko Adi Susanto, Interim Executive Director of the ATSEA Program, spoke on how the program supports the 30×30 goal through transboundary marine planning involving Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. He outlined the ATSEA MPA Network design, endorsed by all four countries in 2022, which includes 93 existing and proposed MPAs, plus 20 other areas flagged for future protection. In total, the network spans around 30,000 square kilometres.
The workshop sparked meaningful discussion around shared priorities. Participants reflected on the importance of long-term policies, supportive institutions, and more sustainable approaches to funding. They spoke of the need for regional coordination, not just to avoid duplicated efforts, but also to amplify each other’s strengths. Communication and shared planning came up often, along with the hope that this network could help governments focus their priorities without needing to compete for attention or resources.
One of the early steps the group agreed on was to conduct a joint mapping exercise to better understand what each organisation brings to the table. This includes existing tools, manuals, and resources related to MPAs. PEMSEA will lead the coordination, with support from the SCS-SAP Project.
The outcomes of the workshop were later presented at a side event during the conference, which welcomed further discussion on how to grow and strengthen the network. During the session, Dr Susanto again represented ATSEA and shared how the program is addressing the region’s shared challenges, from migratory species management to biodiversity profiling and valuation of marine resources. His reflections underscored how working across borders is essential for long-term protection of the ocean.
ATSEA’s Contributions to Regional Action
In addition to the MPA discussions, ATSEA also joined a side event hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, which focused on marine plastic pollution in relation to fisheries management. This session brought together global and regional voices to explore solutions to one of the ocean’s fastest-growing threats.
Dr Susanto spoke of how marine plastics have become a serious concern in the Arafura and Timor Seas. During the ATSEA-2 Project, the project has identified major types of marine debris, including floating plastics from land and sea-based sources, and derelict fishing gear. Areas like Rote Ndao in Indonesia and the southern coast of Timor-Leste have been flagged as pollution hotspots. Initiatives from coastal communities have started to improve waste management and add value to plastic recycling efforts.
The session also spotlighted fisheries management. ATSEA shared its experience integrating the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) for red snapper, barramundi, and shrimp. The program has worked with stakeholders to develop tailored plans while collaborating with private fishing companies to move toward more sustainable practices. This includes supporting certification efforts through Fisheries Improvement Projects, aligned with Marine Stewardship Council standards.
Working Together for Long-Term Impact
Looking to the future, ATSEA is continuing efforts to address abandoned and lost fishing gear (ALDFG), which has become a significant contributor to marine plastic pollution. With support from the Australian Government, a detailed situation analysis was conducted to better understand the scale of the issue, including the types and loss rates of fishing gear, existing interventions, and the gaps that remain. This clearer picture will guide targeted action to improve fisheries management and reduce pollution.
As the region steps into a new phase of collective marine protection, the message from Busan was clear: no one can tackle these challenges alone. Whether addressing marine plastics, improving MPA governance, or protecting migratory species, collaboration is the key. The ATSEA Program, through its continued partnerships and shared vision, is proud to stand with others in working toward a healthier, more sustainable ocean for generations to come.
By Dr Handoko Adi Susanto