DOSI (2025) Monetary and Non-Monetary Value of Marine Genetic Resources and Digital Sequence Information under the BBNJ Agreement - Policy Brief. Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative.

Key messages:

Marine Genetic Resources (MGR) and associated Digital Sequence Information (DSI) offer potential monetary and non-monetary benefits, spanning diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agriculture, as well as contributing to broader scientific advancements and informing broader conservation needs.
Studies on the value of MGR and associated DSI analyse their economic potential while emphasising non-monetary benefits like capacity building and knowledge sharing.
The BBNJ Agreement establishes a framework for equitable benefitsharing from MGR and associated DSI, aiming to distribute both monetary and non-monetary benefits. This framework allows for linking benefit-sharing to the research pipeline, from collection to commercialisation.
Effective implementation of the benefit-sharing framework under the BBNJ Agreement requires proactive engagement, inclusivity, encourages use of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable & Reliable (FAIR) data, and cross-sector collaboration.
Key actors necessary to the continued development and assessment of the value of MGRs and their obligations under the BBNJ Agreement include researchers, industry, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.