It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Kristina Gjerde, who passed away on 26 December 2025. Kristina co-founded the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative in 2013 and has been an integral part of the DOSI Steering Committee and community ever since.
Kristina made a significant impact for the stewardship of the deep ocean – promoting science-based ocean governance, championing multilateralism, and shining light on biodiversity in the most remote regions of our ocean. Her vision and dedicated work ultimately culminated in the recent adoption of the 2023 UN Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
She was also a treasured mentor and friend for many in our community, and passionately advocated for the next generation of ocean leaders. At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in October 2025, Kristina announced the new Ocean Stewardship Award, founded to support early-career ocean professionals advancing marine conservation in the high seas and deep ocean. The award builds on Kristina’s legacy of championing and bringing people together, ensuring that knowledge, networks, and expertise are passed to future stewards.
Kristina’s legacy honours her, and as the BBNJ Agreement comes into force on 17 January 2026, her dedication, visionary leadership, and kindness will be forever remembered and dearly missed.
Kristina speaking at the 1st Session of the BBNJ Preparatory Committee in April 2016 (left) and the IUCN World Conservation Congress in October 2025 (right).
Photos by IISD/ENB Francis Dejon & Anastasia Rodopoulou.
Kristina with DOSI’s other Steering Committee members in February 2025.
Read more about Kristina’s work in this interview with DOSI from 2020. Contributions to a dedicated memorial page can be made here, and donations of any size to the Ocean Stewardship Award will be very gratefully received to continue the mentorship of the next generation in Kristina’s memory (donate in GBP or USD).