Beyond boundaries: mobilising private sector ocean data sharing from national waters to the high seas – an opportunity under the BBNJ agreement

Abstract

This article examines the critical role of private sector ocean data in advancing sustainable ocean governance from national waters  to Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). Despite its significant value, such data often remains inaccessible due to legal, technical, and contractual barriers. Building on recent policy developments, including the BBNJ Agreement, the Ocean Decade and IOC UNESCO frameworks, the paper highlights emerging obligations and opportunities for data sharing. It argues that embedding clear data-sharing requirements into permits and contracts is essential to operationalise private ocean data sharing frameworks. Strengthening interoperability, incentives, and institutional coordination can unlock private sector data to support science-based decision-making, equity, and global ocean sustainability goals.