Sarah Lothian

Sarah Lothian is a Senior Lecturer at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), part of the University of Wollongong's Faculty of Business and Law. A former legal professional with over 12 years in practice, she transitioned to academia after completing a PhD in Law at the University of Sydney. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Law (Honours) from the University of Sydney, a Master of Maritime Law (Distinction) from the University of Nottingham, and a Master of Family Law from the College of Law. Notably, she was awarded the School of Law's Best Graduating Masters Student in 2016.

Her research focuses on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), particularly the BBNJ Agreement, and includes topics like marine genetic resources, marine protected areas, and capacity-building. She authored the monograph Marine Conservation and International Law: Legal Instruments for Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (Routledge, 2022). As Course Coordinator for SEA 904: Maritime Regulation and Enforcement, she teaches law of the sea, marine environmental law, and oceans governance. She actively co-supervises postgraduate research projects in these areas.

Lothian remains an active member of the New South Wales Bar, admitted as a Solicitor in both Australia and the Senior Courts of England and Wales. She serves as an Academic Representative on the Faculty's International Committee and contributes to professional short courses on maritime law and security. Her service includes editorial roles for Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability - Marine Governance and peer review for Environmental Management.

• Education:
  • PhD in Law, University of Sydney (2021)
  • LLM (Maritime Law), University of Nottingham (2016)
  • BA/LLB (Honours), University of Sydney (2006–2008)
• Research Themes: BBNJ Agreement implementation, marine environmental protection, transnational maritime crime, and sustainable development goals.

Her recent work addresses AI's role in marine policymaking equity, BBNJ capacity-building challenges, and the legal dimensions of deep-sea ecosystems. She frequently engages in policy dialogues through platforms like Blue Security and Routledge's featured author initiatives.