The ocean is an essential part of the world economy for transport and for the resources it contains and activities it supports. Yet, the health of oceans is in decline and future opportunities are being lost through this degradation. The current system of governance and management of oceans is in need of urgent reform. This Discussion Paper provides a concrete framework for considering how this might be achieved. It sets out a 5-part practical action framework to transform the way in which oceans are governed to create a more harmonised approach that supports long-term environment, social and economic goals.