Southeast Asia is a region where regional cooperation for the protection of the marine environment faces some unique challenges. This paper explores the current regional cooperation landscape in this area and then draws on other regions (Arctic, Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Baltic) experience to seek out inspiration and possible best practices for Southeast Asia. Each region’s particularities mean there is no one blueprint for cooperation, but there are many relevant examples for Southeast Asia to draw on in any future attempts to strengthen and coordinate action to protect the marine environment. This paper will look to other regions to assist in evaluating the problems and potential of regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.