The Cost of Neglecting the Sargasso Sea

The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction ( BBNJ Agreement) contains the terms ‘stewardship’ and ‘inherent value’ in reference to the protection of ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction ( ABNJ ). Both terms are situated in specific ethical contexts that give rise to different approaches to valuing, and ultimately protecting, ecosystems. The Sargasso Sea Commission is a useful case study for the application of stewardship and inherent value in the protection of ocean ABNJ , as it combines science, ecosystem valuation, and stakeholder engagement to achieve conservation outcomes.