The publication presents panel presentations and plenary discussions from interested delegations which resulted in important convergence of opinions. The area of focus of the presentation was “Ecosystem approaches and oceans”. 20 individual panelists made presentations on the various aspects of the topic. The presentations demonstrate that a lot more is happening than had been understood. Nonetheless, a lot is still to be done, in particular, to deal with issues on the high seas where knowledge and governance systems are weak.