The forecast for a seasonally ice-free Arctic by 2035 has meant a seascape once considered too remote and hostile for viable activity is poised to become the next frontier for commercial, industrial and geopolitical venture. In response to the environmental danger presented by the growth in scope and intensity of human activities, the Arctic Ocean is subject to a dense network of multilateral and regional environmental agreements of varying legal authority. Nevertheless, the jurisdictional and sectoral fragmentation of the current legal framework as well as the inconsistent recognition of Arctic Indigenous Peoples' stakeholder interests, attests to the ongoing need of a more comprehensive and socially equitable form of environmental protection in the marine Arctic.

Despite academic and political consensus that a pan-Arctic MPA network has the greatest potential of achieving widespread ecological resilience whilst addressing socio-economic concerns, much of the past academic commentary is limited by the date of its publication. 

Given the time of writing, it is anticipated this project will be well positioned as an early commentator following the imminent conclusion of the Intergovernmental Conference on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, to evaluate the role of the BBNJ in the establishment of a pan-Arctic MPA network. Ultimately, the project will result in a set of recommendations for legally binding Arctic high sea MPAs which balance environmental stewardship and social equity considerations. 

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