The New Strategic Direction for COBSEA (2008-2012) was adopted by the 19th Intergovernmental Meeting in 2008. The new strategic direction is intended to enhance COBSEA as a regional intergovernmental body that can strengthen the national capacities of member countries and assist in identifying and addressing relevant strategic and emerging issues. As such, it suggests four strategies to address the identified challenges during the next five years. The new strategic direction will encompass the elements of science and policy coordination and project implementation.
The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) oversees the implementation of the East Asian Seas Action Plan.