United we stand, divided we fall: the case for a Pacific Seabed Stewardship Statement

A rush is underway for the Pacific seabed - characterised by increased complexity and congestion. For the Pacific to assert its sovereignty, a collective approach to Pacific seabed governance is critical and pressing.

A new policy paper from the Pacific Security College suggests the negotiation of a Pacific Seabed Stewardship Statement would be a strong move towards a regional approach that can cultivate mutual understanding through shared commitments on seabed stewardship and care.

This statement would clearly set out common principles of deep-sea management and use that could guide collective policy and action. It would function as a foundation for mutual understanding and accountability on Pacific seabed governance, providing a reference point for Pacific stakeholders and partners alike.

Join Dr Philippa Louey, from the Pacific Security College, and Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen, from the University of the South Pacific, in this special online event to discuss the concept of a Pacific Seabed Stewardship Statement, and the value of regional collaboration to safeguard our ocean heritage.  

Please note: this online event will be recorded and may be made available on the Pacific Security College's Youtube and social media channels.

About the speakers

Dr Philippa Louey, Research Fellow, Pacific Security College

Dr Louey is a political scientist with an interest in ocean sustainability and governance in the Pacific region. She holds a PhD from the Australian National University where her doctorate explored evolving dynamics in the seabed minerals, locally-managed marine area management and marine conservation sectors. 

Dr Louey joined the Pacific Security College as Research Fellow in 2025 where she convenes the Pacific Visitorship Program and supports the College’s work around environmental and climate security. Her policy-engaged research has contributed to the work of the Pacific Islands Forum and regional civil society. 

Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Regional Campuses and Global Engagement), The University of the South Pacific

Dr Tupou-Roosen served as the Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) from November 2018 to November 2024. She was unanimously appointed by Fisheries Ministers. Dr Tupou-Roosen was the first woman to serve in this role. Prior to this, she was the head of FFA’s legal team for more than a decade.

She is currently the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Regional Campuses and Global Engagement) at the University of the South Pacific, a fisheries consultant, and is on the Board of Trustees for the newly established Pacific Academy of Sciences.

Dr Tupou-Roosen is a member of the Pacific Security College’s Advisory Board. She holds a Master of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of Canterbury, and a PhD from the University of Nottingham, where she held a Commonwealth scholarship. She is a citizen of Tonga.