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First-of-its-kind freshwater mangroves discovered in Brazil’s Amazon Delta
July 20 – Mongabay
[South America]
While on an expedition in the Amazon River Delta, researchers found mangroves growing in freshwater; an unheard-of circumstance. This discovery, which had been overlooked by previous mapping and satellite projects, is about 70 square miles in size and increases the known area of mangroves in the region by 20%.
Pacific islands demand climate action as China, US woo region
July 18 – Al Jazeera
[South Pacific, United States, China]
On July 14, the four-day summit of the 17-nation Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Suva, Fiji concluded as China and the U.S. continue to try to warm their relations with the region. The attention of the PIF nations, however, remains firmly on climate issues as they collectively “pledge unity” and apply pressure on the U.S. and China to be more active on climate change issues.
Africa looks to private sector to fund ocean climate action
July 13 – StarTribune
[Africa]
African coastal and island states and conservation groups outlined climate funding plans to “boost livelihoods of oceanside communities and aid biodiversity” through the Great Blue Wall initiative, creating a network of coastal and marine protected areas on the continent’s west coast.
Cruise Line Building Two Hydrogen Powered Cruise Ships
July 11 – CruiseFever
[Europe]
MSC Cruises has announced that two of their ships in their new luxury cruise line Explora Journeys, EXPLORA V and VI, which are planned to enter service in 2027 and 2028, will be powered by a new generation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for global response to climate change in Palau
July 9 – DW
[Europe, South Pacific]
While visiting Palau on a six-day trip through Asia, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, also a member of the Green party, pledged closer ties between the Pacific region and Germany. She called the climate emergency “the most challenging security issue of our time” and noted that “our response as an international community has been insufficient”.
Japanese construction firm aims for seaweed bed restoration
July 5 – NHK World
[Japan]
Japanese construction company Kajima developed a technology to artificially produce massive amounts of seaweed that can absorb carbon dioxide in the ocean with intentions to work with fisheries cooperatives and nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate the seaweed beds.
IUCN & Blue Forest launch New Blue Carbon Partnership @ UN Ocean Conference 2022 – A Model for Sustainable Regeneration
July 2 – EIN News
[Indian Ocean, Europe]
On July 2, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Blue Forest Company signed a memorandum of understanding instigating the New Blue Carbon Partnership, which is designed to restore and preserve extensive tracts of mangrove forest financed through carbon credits in the Western Indian Ocean.
Supreme Court limits EPA’s power to combat climate change
June 30 – The Washington Post [Paywall]
[United States]
On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court sharply cut back the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to reduce the carbon output of existing power plants, claiming that too much power is vested in executive branch agencies acting without clear authority from Congress. The Biden administration subsequently condemned this action, which reportedly hampers its ability to meet its climate goals.
China puts trading index, insurance in place for aquaculture carbon offsets
June 30 – Seafood Source
[China]
China’s Ocean and Fisheries Bureau signed an agreement between authorities in Wendeng county, a Rushan oyster production cooperative, and the China Life Insurance firm to create a system of indexes for wind, wave height, and other natural conditions. This insurance indexing system protects investors in the event of natural disasters damaging aquaculture stocks that are part of the burgeoning carbon offset movement.
World leaders confront ‘ocean emergency’ at U.N. conference
June 28 – The Washington Post [Paywall]
[Global]
Leaders from more than 20 nations met at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon to establish the first-ever legal framework on protecting the high seas against exploitation and restoring ocean health. Notably, the declaration will not be binding on its signatories.
Yiyang Shipping first Chinese user of MariApps smartPAL
July 25 – Seatrade Maritime News
[Global, Europe, China]
Yiyang Shipping has become the first Chinese company to establish a partnership with India’s MariApps corporation for the use of MariApps’ new smartPAL system; an “advanced maritime digital software suite.” SmartPAL will be applied to Yiyang’s offices in China, Greece, Japan and Vietnam.
Maritime Administration Awards Nearly $20 Million in Funding to Strengthen U.S. Shipyard Economic Competitiveness
July 21 – U.S. Department of Transportation
[United States]
On July 21, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced a series of grant awards to 24 small shipyards in 19 different states as part of the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The grants, which total $19.6 million, will help the shipyards “modernize, increase productivity,” and expand local employment.
Congestion shifts to US East Coast ports
July 19 – Seatrade Maritime News
[United States, Global]
After weeks of congestion at U.S. West Coast ports reached record levels, a new report shows that the congestion has now moved beyond just the West Coast to the East Coast as well. According to this report, although the number of containerships waiting to berth at U.S. ports has fallen from 150 in January to 125, many more are now waiting for East Coast locations.
China’s exports bounce back, but global risks darken trade outlook
July 13 – Reuters [Paywall]
[China, Global]
China’s exports in June bounced back at the fastest pace in 5 months with an increase of 17.9% from June 2021. Simultaneously, import growth is slower as global risks such as the war in Ukraine and “flareups” of COVID cases darken trade outlooks.
Singapore Ranked Number One Shipping Centre for Ninth Year Running
July 11 – The Maritime Executive
[Global, China, South Asia]
For the ninth year in a row, Singapore has ranked number one in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report with a score of 94.88/100. The second ranking went to London at 83.04/100 points.
Shipping group Maersk quits board of lobby group ICS over climate concerns
July 8 – Reuters [Paywall]
[United States, Global]
Shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk has withdrawn its board member from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), a major international trade association, after being a part of the ICS board for about a decade. Part of the reason given for the withdrawal, which was done after a routine annual internal review by Maersk of its association memberships, is the ICS’ “stance on climate change.”
Unusually High North Sea Containership Congestion Threatens EU Trade
July 6 – The Maritime Executive
[Europe]
German analysts from the ifW Kiel Institute for the World Economy noted that, while there are overall positive signs in recent progress on global trade, the unusually long congestion in the North Sea, high transportation costs, and their subsequent impact on the supply chain could hinder these positive data results.
MSC, TIL propose $6 billion deal for Vietnam’s largest port
July 5 – Port Technology
[Europe, South Asia]
The Mediterranean Shipping Company has sent a $6 billion proposal to Ho Chi Minh City’s government to build what would be Vietnam’s largest port. Plans for the Can Gio Port, located on global maritime routes, reportedly includes a 7.2km wharf to accommodate 24,000 TEU vessels.
Lekki Deep Sea Port takes delivery of first vessel from China
July 2 – Nairametrics
[Africa, China]
Nigeria’s new Lekki Deep Sea Port, still partially under construction, has successfully conducted its first berthing, which is of a vessel from China containing cranes and gantries.
Shipping costs soar as Ukraine war hits maritime trade: UNCTAD
June 29 – The Hindu
[Europe, Global]
A new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development confirms that the conflict in Ukraine, along with the Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in serious long-term port congestion and significantly higher shipping costs; especially those related to agrifood, oil and gas.
IMO welcomes maritime humanitarian corridor in Black Sea
July 25 – PortNews
[Europe, Global]
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Kitack Lim “welcomed” the signing of an agreement between Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Nations that created a “humanitarian maritime corridor” in the Black Sea. This agreement, signed in Istanbul after weeks of discussion, will permit ships to export crucial cargos of grain and foodstuffs from Ukraine.
Two-day int’l ocean forum opens in Incheon
July 21 – Yonhap News Agency
[Global, East Asia]
From July 21-22, the Incheon International Ocean Forum (IIOF) 2022 was held in Incheon, South Korea with the theme of “The World Calls, The Ocean Waves.” The IIOF, hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries alongside other local agencies, gathers industry specialists and business leaders to discuss current events in maritime affairs across five regular sessions.
UN Ocean Conference ends with call for greater action to tackle crisis
July 14 – China Dialogue Ocean
[Global]
On July 1, after two years of delays due to Covid-19, the week-long UN Ocean Conference concluded in Lisbon, Portugal with more than 6,000 participants from over 120 countries. The conference ended with a series of concerned voices and the adoption of a “non-binding political declaration” titled “Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility”.
U.S. to open new embassies, boost aid in Pacific as China’s sway grows
July 12 – The Washington Post [Paywall]
[United States, China, South Pacific]
On July 12, U.S. Vice President Harris announced plans to expand diplomatic presence in the Pacific during the virtual Pacific Islands Forum, including two additional U.S. embassies in Kiribati and Tonga, and a tripling funding for economic development and ocean resilience of $60 million a year for the next decade, as efforts to counter China’s growing influence.
Fiji and Solomon Islands Sign Maritime Boundary Agreement
July 12 – Solomon Times
[South Pacific]
In Suva, on the eve of the first day of the Pacific Islands Forum, the governments of Fiji and the Solomon Islands successfully signed an agreement regarding their shared maritime boundary and gave their own remarks on the issue. It is the first boundary agreement signed in the Pacific region in six years.
Government of Canada invests in co-management of Marine Protected Areas in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region
July 8 – Cision Newswire
[Canada]
The Government of Canada has announced $7.46 million in commitments over the next four years to support “co-management activities with the Inuvialuit” for two marine protected areas in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
CIMAG calls for integrated oceans governance policy
July 7 – GhanaWeb
[Africa]
On the sidelines of Ghana’s celebration of the Day of the Seafarer, the Executive Director of the Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG) called for an “integrated oceans governance policy” for Ghana, noting that “the backing of political will” is necessary for all stakeholders to come to an agreement.
Turkey halts Russian ship, investigates Ukrainian claims -senior official
July 4 – Reuters [Paywall]
[Europe, Black Sea]
Turkey detained the Russian cargo ship Zhibek Zholy off its Black Sea coast and is conducting an investigation upon request from Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar. Turkey is accusing Russia of stealing grain from the territories that Russian forces have seized since their invasion began in late February.
John Kerry is in Portugal, announces U.S. is joining global alliance against ocean acidification
June 29 – The Herald News
[United States, Europe]
On June 29, at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry announced the United States’ membership in the Global Alliance against Acidification, which works to increase knowledge about the impacts of acidification and to prevent the warming of the seas.
Biden aims at China in new illegal fishing policy framework
June 27 – AP
[United States, China]
On June 27, the White House released its first ever National Security memo on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, directing 21 federal departments and agencies to better share information, coordinate enforcement actions, and promote best practices among international allies. It will be followed by new rules from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expanding the definition of illegal fishing to include related labor abuses to combat illegal fishing by China.
Australia co-hosts 2022 Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense conference
July 25 – Australian Government – Defence News
[Indo-Pacific, Australia, United States]
From July 25-27, the 24th annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense conference will be held in Sydney, Australia with the theme of “Promoting the Rules-Based Order in the Indo-Pacific.” The conference will be co-hosted by Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell and the United States’ Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino.
Hezbollah threatens war over Lebanon-Israel maritime border dispute
July 20 – Axios
[Middle East]
As U.S. President Biden left Israel last week, the State Department released a statement including a commitment to help Israel and Lebanon resolve a long-standing maritime border dispute in the Mediterranean. In response, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah again threatened war if Lebanon’s “rights” are not protected and respected.
US House passes act supporting Taiwan’s participation in 2024 RIMPAC
July 15 – Taiwan News
[Global, United States, Pacific Ocean]
On July 14, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which also includes an invitation for Taiwan to join the 2024 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. an annual multinational naval exercise hosted by the United States.
Solomons leader: Chinese base would make his people targets
July 14 – AP
[South Pacific, China]
In response to concerns and suspicions over the Solomon Islands’ new security pact with China, the Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare reasoned that the security pact would not allow for a military base because such a base would “also put our country and our people as targets for potential military strikes”.
China says it ‘drove’ away U.S. destroyer that sailed near disputed isles
July 13 – Reuters [Paywall]
[South China Sea, United States, China]
China says its military “drove away” the USS Benfold destroyer that sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. July 11 marked the sixth anniversary of the international tribunal award that “invalidated” China’s nine-dash line claims in the region.
Navy Weighing Recovery of Super Hornet Lost in Mediterranean Sea
July 11 – USNI News
[United States, Europe]
After an F/A-18 Super Hornet blew off the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman during heavy weather in the Mediterranean Sea, the US Navy is having to decide how to recover the aircraft, if it will be recovered at all. No personnel were in the aircraft and the incident is under investigation.
Russian Ships Transit Tsushima Strait, Continue to Circle Japan
July 8 – USNI News
[East Asia, Russia]
As reported by the Japanese Ministry of Defense, three Russian naval ships were sighted transiting the Tsushima Strait into the Sea of Japan at night and a Russian intelligence ship was sighted near Okinotori Island in the Philippine Sea. Two of the vessels had just completed a full trip around Japan.
Chinese Navy, Air Force Active Near Senkaku Islands, Says Japanese MoD
July 5 – USNI News
[East Asia]
As reported by Japanese Minister of Defense Nobuo Kishi, Chinese naval and air force operations near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea are becoming “more frequent” amidst a rise in Chinese and Russian security activity in the Western Pacific. Minister Nobuo noted that Japanese forces will “deal with any attempts by China to change the status quo”.
Russia abandons Black Sea outpost of Snake Island in victory for Ukraine
June 30 – Reuters [Paywall]
[Europe, Black Sea]
Russia announced that it decided to withdraw its forces from Snake Island, a key outpost off of Ukraine’s southwestern coast, as a “gesture of goodwill” in an effort to prove to the United Nations that Russia is not oppressing UN humanitarian-related grain shipments from Ukraine.
PH objects to Taiwan’s ‘illegal’ live fire drills off Ligaw Island
June 28 – Manila Bulletin
[Southeast Asia, East Asia]
After receiving warnings from “Taiwan (China)” of two days of live fire drills off the coast of Ligaw Island, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs released a tweet strongly objecting to the “unlawful” drills over concerns that the drills raised regional tensions and further complicates the South China Sea situation.
The Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic country located approximately 470 miles (750 kilometers) southwest of India in the Indian Ocean. Its territory consists of nearly 1,200 islands and atolls—ring-shaped reefs, islands, or chain of islands formed of coral—spanning approximately 40,000 square miles (104,000 square kilometers) of sea with only 115 square miles (298 square kilometers) of that area being land. Geographically, while the Maldives is the smallest Asian country by land area, it is also one of the world’s most dispersed sovereign states and is the world’s lowest-lying country with an average ground-level elevation of just under 5 feet (1.5 meters).
The Government of Maldives, located in the capital city of Malé on the Male Atoll, is made up of almost two dozen active ministries, agencies and public bodies that specialize in issues ranging from environment, climate change, education, arts, and culture, to technology, finance and defense. Most of these ministries’ websites appear active, including regular updates on all the activities, addresses, and agreements that the Maldivian government is currently conducting.
Unsurprisingly, the Maldives’ economy and society primarily relies on tourism, which makes up 28% of its GDP. For instance, 1.2 million tourists came in 2014—30.2% of them being from China—and they collectively spent $2.6 billion during their stay. The Maldives Monetary Authority and its partner ministries are very attentive to its economic status and progress, releasing economic updates and monthly statistics reports that include tourist arrivals, tourist bed nights, exports (nearly all of which are fish or fisheries products), imports (most of which are food and beverage, fuel and lubricants, machinery or transportation products), pensions, and even offenses reported to the police, among other figures of interest.
Other than its tourism industry and growing internal disputes over socioeconomic disparities, the Maldivian government’s primary attention for more than a decade has been on climate security—especially about the rising sea levels from melting polar ice caps. In November 2008, the then-president—and the first democratically elected president—of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed even shared plans to set aside the nation’s tourist revenue to purchase land for his 300,000 strong population to live on once the sea levels rise too high. “We can do nothing to stop climate change on our own, so we have to buy land elsewhere. It’s an insurance policy for the worst possible outcome,” he said on the eve of his inauguration. This issue remains at the top of the government’s list of concerns today and will even make a strong appearance in the Maldives’ upcoming Defence White Paper, which is currently being drafted.
Despite the small size of their nation, representatives of the Maldavian government have been very active at the international and regional levels, working to establish connections and partnerships on common issues. For instance, this June the Maldivian Minister of Defence Uza. Mariya Didi gave an address at the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue’s Special Session on Climate Security and Green Defence, highlighting Maldavian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s “razor-sharp focus” on the climate change fight “on the global stage, despite growing security worries and the challenges of keeping Maldives on the track of democratic consolidation.”
On the climate security front, aside from speaking at a variety of regional and international groups and forums, Maldivians are already working to prepare for rising sea levels with projects like the Maldives Floating City; a project that was jointly designed by a company in the Netherlands and is a finalist in the MIPIM Awards (also known as the “Oscars for Global Development”).
The last two years have also witnessed a “tremendous” expansion in U.S.-Maldives relations; especially in defense and security. On September 11, 2020, representatives from the United States and the Maldives signed a defense and security pact which was called “an important milestone” by Minister Didi. In response, the Maldivian Ministry of Defense tweeted that the pact “will add immense value to the excellent US-Maldives partnership defined by shared principles & interests in peace & security” of the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Notably, this pact also included a mutual commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” which has now become a meaningful phrase to use. This pact also led to an inaugural U.S.-Maldives Defense and Security Dialogue on January 5, 2021 and a signing ceremony of the Montana National Guard State Partnership Program on April 4, 2022, both in Malé.
Notably, this 2020 pact follows a 2013 draft agreement on a Status of Forces Agreement, which was agreed to by the two parties but ultimately discouraged by India on the basis that such an agreement would make way for a similar agreement between the Maldives and China. The 2020 pact, however, is reportedly supported by India, though some observers have still wondered what the pact means for the Maldives’ northern neighbor. One researcher directly points towards “the growing challenge from an aggressive China in the Indo-Pacific region” as India’s shift in support for this defense pact.
Though on the outlying border of the region and not yet a part of regional forums like ASEAN, it is officially part of Asia. Its government is active in regional politics. And, despite its dispersed set of islands and atolls, the Maldives’ location in the center of the Indian Ocean is a strategically sound checkpoint for any nation interested in the Indian Ocean region to be connected with.
Furthermore, between the Maldives’ long-time expertise and interest in and the Biden administration’s—and the world’s—heavy push towards climate security, it would not be surprising to see the Maldives be given more space at the international table. As one of the first nations to have to deal with rising sea levels, it has already proven itself to be a leader in innovative problem-solving with projects like the Maldives Floating City. It would also not be surprising to see an increase in promotions for Maldivian tourism in the United States or support for infrastructure projects, as a show of improving bilateral relations.
Maldivian Minister of Defence Mariya has been a particularly popular voice for the Maldives, appearing at regional and international conferences on maritime, security, climate, and even civil rights issues. It appears that Minister Mariya and the rest of the Maldivian government are working to make sure that the Maldives continues to have a meaningful seat at the table. Especially recently, as its partnership with the United States has been growing, Maldivian representatives have been promoting the ideas of “building trust and friendships through defence partnerships” created alongside a “shared vision for a rules-based international order;” a key phrase that has become as popularized and labeling to its user as a “free and open Indo-Pacific” has. If Malé continues to choose to affirm these phrases, and continues to create partnerships and hold dialogues with U.S. representatives—on climate, security, trade, or any other kind of issue—then Washington may soon be able to officially call the Maldives—a nation situated in the heart of the vital Indian Ocean—a reliable, key partner; if it does not already.
This issue’s Spotlight was written by Jessica Martin, ICAS Research Associate & Chief Editor of the MAP Handbill
Issue 2 of the newly developed Blue Carbon & Climate Change (BCCC) Quarterly has been released! Each quarter, ICAS releases a newsletter which will record the most important trends and developments regarding blue carbon policies and regulations in China, the U.S., and other regions, as well as international regimes such as the United Nations. The ICAS team will also produce a Chinese language version of this product to disseminate to a wider audience so that both sides have access to our research.
Virtual Book Talk on Dispatches From the South China Sea: Navigating to Common Ground
Hosted by China Institute, University of Alberta, Thursday, July 14, 2022
On Thursday, July 14, 2022, ICAS Executive Director Nong Hong moderated a virtual book talk and Q&A session with James Borton, the author of Dispatches from the South China Sea: Navigating to Common Ground. The hour-long discussion included a presentation from the author followed by a conversation with Dr. Nong Hong and questions from the audience on Borton’s research methodology and his expert perceptions on key issues like managing multilateral relations, fishing conflicts,, and marine environmental security in the South China Sea.
The 8th Ocean Dialogue – 40th Anniversary of UNCLOS: Promoting Maritime Cooperation in Southeast Asia
Co-organized by The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) office, and Australian Embassy in Hanoi
Tuesday, June 29, 2022
On June 29, 2022, ICAS Executive Director Dr. Nong Hong participated in the 8th Ocean Dialogue- 40th Anniversary of UNCLOS: Promoting Maritime Cooperation in Southeast Asia. She spoke about the BBNJ Negotiation in the Context of the South China Sea and shared her research findings on regional and state practices of area-based management.
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