Rising Seas, Rising Threats: Tackling Maritime Crimes Fuelled by Climate Change in the Indian Ocean

Abhaya Kumar Behera, Shivani Sharma, and Dr Ramdhass Perumal

The Indian Ocean, encompassing approximately 20% of the Earth’s surface, plays a critical role in global trade, environmental stability, and security. However, the escalating impacts of climate change, rising sea levels, shifting monsoon patterns, extreme weather events, and resource depletion pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions. These environmental disruptions drive individuals toward maritime crimes such as armed robbery, hijacking, illegal fishing, and piracy, undermining maritime security, global trade, and marine biodiversity. The research investigates the intricate relationship between climate change and the rise in maritime crimes while addressing jurisdictional conflicts and issues of state sovereignty. Drawing on empirical data from International Maritime Bureau reports, climate studies, and recent developments in international law, the paper demonstrates the correlation between climate-induced stressors and the escalation of maritime crimes.

It critically analyses current legal frameworks such as UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), the BBNJ (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement, and the recent ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) advisory opinion, highlighting significant gaps in enforcement and adaptive capacity. The study emphasizes the need to integrate climate resilience, sustainable development, and human rights into maritime governance frameworks.

By proposing a sustainable legal framework for the Asia-Pacific region, the research advocates for global co-operation to foster sustainable marine governance that balances marine environmental protection with state sovereignty. The research identifies shortcomings in existing governance mechanisms and explores the law and economics of maritime crime in climate-stressed societies. The paper concludes by proposing comprehensive legal reforms, enhanced regional co-operation, and integration of climate resilience and human rights into maritime law, outlining an urgent roadmap for securing stability and justice in the Indian Ocean amid rising environmental threats.

Keywords: maritime crime, climate change, Indian Ocean, maritime security, piracy.

DOI – https://doi.org/10.67247/jmr.2025.000014

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