Today, less than eight per cent of the sea is protected. Within that eight per cent, one per cent constitutes the High Seas, which refers to any marine territory beyond Exclusive Economic Zones (1982). This project proposes redesigning ocean conservation by dismantling the hierarchy between humans and more-than-humans. The liberation of the oceans begins with empowering them socially and politically.
This project aims to initiate a critical debate on the financialisation of the marine environment by drawing from two parallel narratives that explore the perception, extraction, and conservation of the oceans throughout history. One perspective is rooted in art, literature, and philosophy, particularly 'the Blue Sublime.' The other perspective examines the political and economic bias that has shaped supposed 'conservation' treaties and policies, ultimately facilitating extraction.
As a territory, the Oceans, notably the High Seas, encompass over seventy per cent of the globe and play a crucial role in the survival of our planet. The Ocean Nation proposes to conceptualise the Oceans as a country, extending 'more-than-human rights and legal personhood' to the High Seas. Creating an Ocean Nation would grant the High Seas a legitimate government, sovereignty, and a place in the UN, providing significant political influence and agency.
