Environmental management has traditionally taken place within the bounds of the nation-state, with no obligation to consider neighbouring countries or the world as a whole. Many issues cannot be adequately addressed in this context. For example, the conservation of marine mammals requires the protection of critical habitat beyond state jurisdictions. States, international organisations and global civil society need to work together in each region to create flexible regional regimes to meet the needs of ocean species. This paper discusses the principle of ecosystem-based management and the concept of regional regimes to show how global civil society can lead the way in species and ecosystem protection.