The inability so far to deal with these pressures in an effective, timely way is attributed in large part to what is historically a sector-by-sector management of marine activities. Much as a response to growing pressures, recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of countries and regions putting in place strategic policy frameworks for better ocean management within their EEZs. However, many obstacles stand in the way of more effective integrated ocean management, which w'ill need to be addressed in the near future.