What is the Blue Economy?
The Blue Economy is a term that relates to the economy in how we as people use the ocean. Some of the economic regions in which we use the ocean include fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, and tourism. A big focus of the Blue Economy is how we live with and use the ocean. It is important that when we use the ocean’s resources for economic growth that we are using them sustainably. When partaking in economic activities that revolve around bodies of water we need to be taking actions to make sure that we are protecting the ocean and keeping within the limits of our planet. Like a singular bowl and spoon we need to make sure that as we use the ocean to help with our economy that we also leave enough for the life and ecosystem beneath the water.
What are some benefits of the Blue Economy?
Protecting the Planet
As the Blue Economy focuses on being sustainable ways of using the ocean while progressing our economy, these sustainable solutions will help with protecting our planet. The Blue Economy helps fight climate change as it focuses on renewable energies and the decarbonization of transport of goods or people over seas. In addition to this, the green infrastructure in coastal areas will help preserve biodiversity all while helping the economy. The Blue Economy allows us to restore damaged ecosystems by innovating ways to efficiently and sustainably manage what the ocean has to offer us.
Job Opportunities
There are a variety of careers that come with the support of the Blue Economy. These job opportunities will help the economy as more people are able to find jobs within these fields, as well as help the planet as the people entering these fields continue to innovate and find solutions that will help progress the Blue Economy. Some of the opportunities in the Blue Economy include:
- Ocean Engineer
- Marine Ecologist
- Earth Scientist
- Marine Energy Specialist
- Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Communications Specialist
Aquaculture
The Blue Economy aims for more sustainable aquaculture practices and development. Coastal communities are working together with the goal of maintaining and bringing about a sustainable aquaculture economy, as well as healthy and resilient coastal ecosystems. These advances in aquaculture can also assist in feeding the world population, while not consuming more than what the ocean has to offer.
Enhanced Livelihood
Oceans are of the upmost importance when it comes to economies. The Blue Economy allows to optimize the use of their oceans and bodies of water and improving the resilience of coastal communities. The Blue Economy aims for environmental sustainability all while reaching to progress economic growth and social inclusion. These goals that maximize efficiency whilst minimizing environmental harm help enhance livelihood.
Challenges of Achieving the Blue Economy
Financial
A goal like the Blue Economy requires a lot of long-term financial planning due to how much goes into it. In addition to the long-term planning, it is also necessary for a stable economy. Due to the amount of debt that some countries may have, turning their agricultural system into a bluer one doesn’t tend to be a primary focus. Skilled and knowledgeable people within the field are also a necessity. The training for these individuals would be another area in which finances are a barrier.
Number of Experts VS. The Demand
Achieving a Blue Economy requires a strong understanding of the ocean that can be found from ocean sciences. These sciences and scientists are needed to understand the environmental and socioeconomic aspects of the Blue Economy. As this knowledge and understanding is the basis for the Blue Economy it can be demanding as each country will need numerous experts in this field that they may not have access to. Not being able to meet this demand for experts can prove to be challenging.
Resources
- Editor, Nordic. “Blue Economy: Oceans as the next Great Economic Frontier.” United Nations Western Europe, 22 Mar. 2022, unric.org/en/blue-economy-oceans-as-the-next-great-economic-frontier/.
- “The Blue Economy: Benefits of Investing in Ocean Conservation.” Sustainability for All, www.activesustainability.com/water/blue-economy/#:~:text=The%20oceans%20are%20not%20only%20a%20source%20of%20jobs%20and%20wealth.&text=The%20blue%20economy%20contributes%20to,transport%2C%20and%20ecologicalization%20of%20ports. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
- ROUSSEAU, Pierre CG. “What Is the Right Definition for the Blue Economy?” LinkedIn, 7 Feb. 2021, www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-right-definition-blue-economy-pierre-cg-rousseau/.
- “Dive in — Careers in the Blue Economy.” Energy.Gov, 14 June 2021, www.energy.gov/articles/dive-careers-blue-economy.
- Writer, Staff. “Blue Economy Initiatives Can Safeguard the Future of Our Planet Cartoon.” Bold Business, 8 Nov. 2019, www.boldbusiness.com/bold-cartoons/blue-economy-initiatives-safeguard-planet-cartoon/.
- “Blue Economy Support.” NCCOS – National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 19 Feb. 2025, coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/coastal-and-marine-planning/blue-economy-support/.
- Bove, Tristan. “What Are the Promises of a Blue Economy?” Earth.Org, 1 Nov. 2021, earth.org/blue-economy/.