Abstract:  This study examines expert perceptions of the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems and the associated challenges for ocean governance and coastal adaptation. Drawing on a mixed‐methods expert‐elicitation approach combining a survey of 70 experts with qualitative interviews, the research identifies ocean warming, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss as the most critical climate‐related threats to marine systems. Rather than conducting a policy‐by‐policy evaluation, the study explores how experts assess the perceived effectiveness, limitations, and adaptive capacity of existing international and national ocean governance frameworks, based on their professional experience. The findings indicate a strong consensus on the urgency of strengthening governance arrangements, enhancing international collaboration, and improving adaptive and flexible policy responses. Barriers to community engagement— particularly limited awareness and financial constraints—are highlighted as persistent challenges for coastal adaptation. By integrating quantitative patterns with qualitative insights, this study contributes to the scholarship on ocean governance by clarifying expert‐identified governance gaps and priority areas for climate‐resilient ocean governance.

Keywords:  climate change; coastal adaptation; impact; mitigation; ocean ecosystems; ocean governance

Published:   15 April 2026

Issue:   Vol 3 (2026): University and Coastal Society Contributions to Ocean Sustainability (In Progress)