Blue Economy: Why Sustainable Ocean Is Key to Our Survival

• September 18, 2024

The ocean, covering more than 70% of our planet, is an irreplaceable lifeline, providing essential resources such as food, oxygen, and livelihoods for billions of people. However, as human activities increasingly strain marine ecosystems, the concept of the Blue Economy has emerged as a crucial framework for balancing economic growth with the preservation of the ocean’s health. In an era where environmental sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, sustainable ocean use is no longer an option—it’s key to our survival.

What is the Blue Economy?

The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. It encompasses traditional ocean industries such as fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport, as well as emerging industries like offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, and marine biotechnology.

Unlike previous economic models that often prioritized profit over sustainability, the Blue Economy aims to ensure that the ocean’s resources are utilized in a way that doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to benefit from them.

The Challenges We Face: Overexploitation and Environmental Damage

Human activities have pushed the ocean to its limits. Overfishing has depleted marine populations, threatening food security for millions. Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, chokes ecosystems and devastates wildlife. Climate change is leading to ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and coral bleaching—drastically altering marine ecosystems and putting coastal communities at risk.

As our population grows and our reliance on the ocean increases, these pressures will only intensify unless we take immediate action to build a more sustainable approach to ocean use. This is where the Blue Economy steps in, offering an opportunity to rethink how we interact with the ocean while promoting economic resilience and environmental stewardship.

Why Sustainable Ocean Use Is Critical to Our Survival

1. Food Security and Livelihoods

The ocean provides food for over three billion people worldwide, and fisheries support the livelihoods of millions, particularly in developing coastal nations. However, unsustainable fishing practices are pushing many marine species to the brink of collapse. Without effective management, overfishing will lead to declining fish stocks and compromise food security, especially for vulnerable populations.

Sustainable ocean management, such as the promotion of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, can help maintain biodiversity, restore fish populations, and ensure that marine resources continue to provide food and economic benefits for future generations.

2. Climate Regulation

The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. It absorbs approximately one-quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions and generates 50% of the oxygen we breathe. However, the ocean’s capacity to perform these functions is being diminished by climate change and pollution.

A sustainable Blue Economy includes investing in ocean-based renewable energy, such as offshore wind and tidal energy, which can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Additionally, preserving ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs—which act as natural carbon sinks—can enhance the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon and buffer the impacts of climate change.

3. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Healthy marine ecosystems provide essential services such as coastal protection, tourism opportunities, and support for biodiversity. However, human activity is eroding these benefits. Destructive practices like seabed mining, habitat destruction, and pollution have devastating effects on biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems.

A sustainable Blue Economy promotes the protection and restoration of ecosystems by integrating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and enforcing stricter environmental regulations. By maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding ecosystems, we ensure that the ocean continues to provide the ecosystem services critical to human well-being.

4. Economic Opportunity

The ocean is a driver of economic growth, with ocean-based industries contributing an estimated $1.5 trillion annually to the global economy. By 2030, this figure could double if sustainable practices are adopted. Traditional ocean industries such as tourism, shipping, and fishing can be enhanced through sustainable management, while new opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, biotechnology, and marine services offer potential for innovation and job creation.

Investing in the Blue Economy not only preserves the ocean’s ecosystems but also creates new, sustainable economic opportunities for countries and communities that depend on the sea.

Moving Forward: The Role of Global Collaboration

A successful Blue Economy requires global collaboration. The ocean doesn’t recognize political boundaries, and addressing the challenges it faces calls for coordinated international efforts. Multilateral agreements like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, are critical frameworks for fostering cooperation among nations.

Countries must work together to promote sustainable fisheries, reduce marine pollution, and combat climate change while sharing knowledge, technology, and best practices to build resilient ocean-based economies.

PHAROS and Its Contribution to Sustainable Oceans

PHAROS’s integration of IMTA systems, ecosystem restoration, and community engagement showcases a holistic approach to sustainable ocean use. By aligning innovation with environmental stewardship, PHAROS is paving the way for a Blue Economy that not only benefits marine ecosystems but also supports economic growth, food security, and climate resilience. These initiatives underscore the critical role sustainable ocean use plays in ensuring our survival and prosperity.

PHAROS, a forward-thinking European initiative, is at the forefront of promoting sustainable ocean use through the development of a robust Blue Economy. By employing innovative technologies and nature-based solutions, PHAROS is working to ensure that marine resources are utilized in a way that supports both economic growth and environmental preservation. A key part of this effort is the implementation of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems in Ireland and Gran Canaria, which serve as flagship examples of how sustainable practices can significantly reduce environmental impact while offering economic benefits.

Ireland’s IMTA Demonstration: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Aquaculture

In Ireland, PHAROS has pioneered a new model of aquaculture that integrates salmon farming with the cultivation of macroalgae. This combined approach not only increases food production but also tackles environmental challenges by reducing nutrient pollution. The macroalgae absorb excess nutrients from salmon farming, effectively preventing them from entering the marine environment and contributing to eutrophication. This approach enhances marine biodiversity while supporting sustainable food systems, making it a valuable model for regions dependent on aquaculture.

This IMTA demonstration exemplifies how economic growth and environmental responsibility can coexist. By reducing nutrient waste and increasing biodiversity, the system demonstrates the potential of aquaculture to operate sustainably while still being a vital part of the Blue Economy. The Ireland demonstration aligns with PHAROS’s broader goals of reducing the carbon footprint of the aquaculture industry and creating sustainable jobs in coastal communities.

Gran Canaria’s Multi-Layered IMTA System: A Showcase of Innovation and Ecosystem Restoration

In Gran Canaria, PHAROS is implementing a multi-layered IMTA system designed not only for aquaculture but also for ecosystem restoration. In the PLOCAN research area, PHAROS will deploy storm-proof infrastructure that integrates multiple Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to rejuvenate a site severely impacted by human activity. This demonstration combines macroalgae cultivation, which helps restore nutrient-rich ecosystems, with the production of high-value species such as abalone and sea cucumbers. These species not only contribute economically but also serve critical ecological functions, such as nutrient recycling and waste absorption.

The real-time monitoring of this site will provide valuable insights into the recovery of marine ecosystems, particularly the role of macroalgae in CO2 sequestration. Data from these efforts will be integrated into the PHAROS Digital Twin Ocean (DTO), offering a comprehensive view of how sustainable practices can accelerate ecosystem recovery while enhancing the economic value of marine-based industries.

Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Recovery

At the core of PHAROS’s mission is the integration of Nature-Based Solutions to restore and protect marine environments. In Gran Canaria, these solutions include the deployment of artificial reefs to enhance biodiversity and reduce pollution through natural processes. By co-locating species like abalone and sea cucumbers within IMTA systems, PHAROS aims to foster ecosystem resilience while also creating new economic opportunities in the aquaculture sector. These efforts highlight how sustainable ocean use can simultaneously restore damaged ecosystems and generate high-value products for the global market.

Engaging Communities Through Open-Schooling Projects

PHAROS goes beyond technological innovation by involving local communities through open-schooling projects. These projects foster collaboration between families, stakeholders, teachers, and students, encouraging them to address local environmental challenges in line with the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0. This grassroots engagement helps raise awareness about the importance of sustainable ocean use and ensures that the principles of the Blue Economy are passed on to future generations.

PHAROS Demo 1: Evaluating the Benefits of IMTA Co-Location

One of PHAROS’s most ambitious projects is Demo 1, which aims to thoroughly assess the ecological and economic advantages of co-locating IMTA systems with other sustainable practices. The demo will explore how macroalgae can enhance biodiversity and improve water quality around fish aquaculture sites, and how the inclusion of species like abalone and sea cucumbers can contribute to ecosystem restoration while generating economic benefits. The introduction of artificial reefs will further support biodiversity restoration and pollution reduction, demonstrating how a multi-trophic approach can transform the future of sustainable aquaculture.

By incorporating these nature-based solutions into its projects, PHAROS is setting a new standard for sustainable ocean use. The initiative not only drives the development of the Blue Economy but also ensures the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems, making it a model for future ocean-based industries.

A Blueprint for the Future

Building a Blue Economy isn’t just about economic gain—it’s about safeguarding the ocean for future generations. Sustainable ocean use ensures that we can continue to benefit from the ocean’s resources while preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. With coordinated action, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, the Blue Economy provides a blueprint for balancing human needs with environmental responsibility.

As stewards of the ocean, we must seize this opportunity to ensure that the ocean remains a source of life, food, and prosperity for generations to come. Only through sustainable practices can we build an economy that is truly “blue”—one that protects the health of the ocean while supporting human progress.

Photo credit: ECOAqua

Sources of Data and References:

1. United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water):
   • The UN’s SDG 14 focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. This goal serves as the guiding framework for international efforts to protect marine ecosystems.
   • Source: United Nations SDG 14
2. Ocean Coverage and Economic Contribution:
   • The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface, and ocean-based industries contribute approximately $1.5 trillion annually to the global economy, with projections suggesting this could double by 2030.
   • Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “The Ocean Economy in 2030”
   • Link: OECD Ocean Economy Report
3. Food Security:
   • Over three billion people rely on the ocean for food, and fisheries provide livelihoods for millions globally.
   • Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture”
   • Link: FAO Report on Fisheries
4. Oxygen Production and Carbon Sequestration:
   • The ocean generates around 50% of the oxygen we breathe and absorbs about one-quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions.
   • Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “Ocean Facts: How Much Oxygen Comes From the Ocean?”
   • Link: NOAA Ocean Facts
5. Marine Pollution and Plastic Waste:
   • Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, is one of the major stressors on ocean ecosystems, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering the ocean annually.
   • Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the Future of Plastics”
   • Link: Ellen MacArthur Foundation Report
6. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
   • MPAs are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.
   • Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), “Marine Protected Areas”
   • Link: IUCN Marine Protected Areas
7. Emerging Ocean Industries:
   • The potential for growth in ocean-based industries such as offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, and marine biotechnology presents significant opportunities for the Blue Economy.
   • Source: World Bank Group, “The Potential of the Blue Economy: Increasing Long-term Benefits of the Sustainable Use of Marine Resources for Small Island Developing States and Coastal Least Developed Countries”
   • Link: World Bank Blue Economy Report