OceanMind Launches Syndra to Enhance Marine Governance in Southeast Asia

OceanMind, a global non-profit organization, has launched a new initiative called Syndra to enhance regional cooperation and enforcement in marine governance. The initiative aims to strengthen the implementation of international commitments on fisheries and biodiversity, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The launch, formally introduced at a special side event during the SAFET 2026 Conference in Cebu, Philippines, marks a significant step towards turning global ambitions into practical, on-the-ground enforcement. Syndra will bring together governments, regional organizations, philanthropic partners, development institutions, and technical agencies to improve both fisheries governance and biodiversity protection at a regional scale.

Nick Wise, founder and CEO of OceanMind, emphasized the critical role of operational capability in achieving marine governance commitments. "The PSMA is exponentially more effective when neighboring states strengthen port-state practices together, preventing IUU-linked catch from slipping through the gaps," Wise stated. "By fostering strong regional collaboration through Syndra, we can better equip governments with the information, tools, and resources they need to ensure operational capabilities keep pace with ambitions."

The initiative focuses on practical conditions necessary for joint action, including the integration of intelligence into decision-making, streamlining inter-agency workflows, and closing operational gaps between neighboring states. OceanMind will act as a hands-on technical partner, steward, and secretariat for Syndra, enabling governments to:

1. Close regional enforcement gaps: Harmonize PSMA implementation across neighboring ports, significantly reducing the displacement and offloading of IUU-linked catch. 2. Support BBNJ area-based management: Build institutional capability for cross-border monitoring, compliance, and joint response across connected marine ecosystems. 3. Embed intelligence into workflows: Modernize analytical, procedural, and inter-agency workflows so front-line enforcement officers can act on targeted intelligence. 4. Build governance assurance: Provide transparent, verifiable outcomes that give governments and funding partners the confidence to invest in durable ocean protection at scale.

OceanMind has already established a strong foundation in Southeast Asia, working with national authorities in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand. In Cambodia, the organization is collaborating with the Cambodian government to strengthen PSMA implementation. In the Philippines, OceanMind has partnered with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) since 2018, focusing on marine domain awareness, dark vessel detection, and PSMA support. In Thailand, the organization has long provided technical support to the Department of Fisheries, serving as a model for comprehensive monitoring and enforcement.

The initial node for Syndra is rooted in Southeast Asia, with plans to expand support for the initiative in the region and beyond. OceanMind is actively engaging with global and regional partners to establish a practical pathway to safeguard biodiversity, eliminate IUU fishing, and secure sustainable ocean economies.

The launch of Syndra underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving marine governance commitments. By fostering regional cooperation and addressing operational gaps, OceanMind aims to ensure that international commitments translate into effective on-the-ground enforcement, protecting the world's marine resources for future generations.