Oceans have increasingly captured the attention of agents engaged in international and national politics. From the viewpoint of those dealing with climate change, biodiversity preservation, maritime security, trade, food security and any other areas, Oceans represent a novel geographical area of action requiring specific knowledge and tools. In this paper we align with the argument that Oceans have a broader yet still impactful effect in International Relations, requiring a new centrality in the way we think and act in the international realm. Building on the concept of Ocean Regions, we argue the level of institutionalization in the South Atlantic is a contributing factor to the emergence of new regional patterns of interaction designed around Ocean issues. Critical institutionalism, in particular, is used to make evident the power relations underpinning the development of institutions in this region and, therefore, shaping the nature of an emerging Ocean Region.

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