Search

The blue economy is an area of growing investment and evolution across industries, governments, and communities. The rising global population coupled with rapid development in technology and trade has spurred governments across the world to look to the ocean for new sources of economic growth. While the ocean has historically been seen as an endless source of protein and extractive resources, the impacts of climate change are revealing the fallacy of this long-held assumption. Ocean acidification, warmer temperatures, and rising sea levels are resulting in habitat and biodiversity loss, extreme weather patterns, and changes to fish stock compositions and migration patterns. As a result of these changes, it is increasingly important to ensure a sustainable coexistence between humans and marine ecosystems. By developing a blue economy that prioritizes not only economic growth, but also the health of the environment and the livelihoods of local communities, it is possible to build a lasting blue economy for generations to come. The following paper analyzes existing blue economy frameworks utilized around the world to inform a model that assesses the feasibility of implementing blue economy programs in U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries.

Healthy oceans are essential for life, but a mere 2.9% are fully protected. The question then arises why is ocean protection so challenging? Among the many reasons is the economic allure of extractive activities which poses a barrier to alleviating human pressure on ocean areas. Marine protected areas (MPAs), primarily designed to preserve biodiversity, are often rationalized through a business lens and are expected to yield revenue by increasing tourists’ willingness to pay. However, MPAs are not business entities and require a set of enabling conditions to successfully reach their goals. In a successful marine protected area, a unit increase in natural capital results in a rise in tourist revenue. We developed a bioeconomic model to show how fully protecting diving sites can significantly enhance nature’s recovery and lead to larger revenues for the scuba diving industry. In Mexico, scuba diving generates as much revenue as the fishing industry, yet only 7% of the country’s diving sites are fully protected. Globally, the scuba diving industry generates up to $20 billion dollars per year, even though about half of the diving sites worldwide lack protection. Using global experiences, we designed a five-step bottom-up approach that scuba diving operators can use to amplify marine protection. This approach could catalyze the creation of stricter or new fullyprotected areas designed to incorporate existing businesses a significant departure from the traditional business framework. The Atlas Aquatica initiative advocates for a significant shift in narrative to stimulate broader acceptance of marine protection worldwide. We aim to contribute to a sustainable blue economic growth and the 30x30 conservation target by promoting the protection of diving sites globally.

A healthy ocean is essential for human health, and yet the links between the ocean and human health are often overlooked. By providing new medicines, technologies, energy, foods, recreation, and inspiration, the ocean has the potential to enhance human health and wellbeing. However, climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and inequity threaten both ocean and human health. Sustainable realisation of the oceans health benefits will require overcoming these challenges through equitable partnerships, enforcement of laws and treaties, robust monitoring, and use of metrics that assess both the oceans natural capital and human wellbeing. Achieving this will require an explicit focus on human rights, equity, sustainability, and social justice. In addition to highlighting the potential unique role of the healthcare sector, we offer science-based recommendations to protect both ocean health and human health, and we highlight the unique potential of the healthcare sector tolead this effort.

The blue economy balances oceanic economic activity with sustainable development. It includes harvesting and extractive industries, such as fishing, resource generation (energy and water), trade and health. Existing literature has linked the blue economy to positive economic growth when its potential is maximised. Despite the importance of the subject, there are few studies on the economic benefits and opportunities that Small States can derive from the blue economy. This paper uses the case of the CARICOM region, whose combined exclusive economic zones is 4.5 times larger than the land area. This study analysed the potential economic benefits of the blue economy in CARICOM by investigating the comparative advantages of blue exports in ocean goods traded for the region and the individual member states. The results suggest that CARICOM countries have a comparative advantage in their traditional industries and opportunities to exploit many other blue industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to now, the UK has avoided major marine heatwaves (MHWs) that cause severe damage to marine ecosystems and the blue economy. However, an unprecedented in its intensity, though short-lived, MHWoccurred in UK waters in June 2023. This event sounded an alarm bell, highlighting gaps in our understanding of MHW characteristics and their potential future impacts in the UK. Here, we use a combination of remote sensing data and model output to characterise MHWs and Marine Cold Spells (MCSs) around the UK and the wider North Atlantic, and to assess the potential for concurrent biogeochemical extreme events. Results indicate that across the wider North Atlantic, the UK is not a hot spot for MHWs or MCSs but, regionally, the southern North Sea experiences the most activity. This is also the location of extreme chlorophyll-a concentrations, here termed blue waves (low chlorophyll-a) and green waves (high chlorophyll-a). However, there is not a very pronounced relationship between temperature and chlorophyll-a extremes, which may be impacted by the exact location, drivers and season of occurrence. In contrast, the southern North Sea and English Channel may experience a MHW and low near-bottom oxygen compound events year-round, which, due to the combination of thermal stress and reduced oxygen availability, may negatively impact benthic marine ecosystems. While MHWs in UK waters do not appear to be as long-lasting or intense as other well-documented events around the world, they are projected to increase. Thus, the UK has a unique opportunity to learn from other nations and so develop robust and comprehensive policies to increase preparedness and response capability for future extreme events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue economy has the potential to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs while protecting marine ecosystems. This research uses a comprehensive analysis of secondary data sources to assess various blue economy sectors, including maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, and ocean mining. By examining the blue economy experiences of developed nations like the United States, Canada, Japan, Norway, and Australia, the study identifies the best SDG practices and strategic lessons applicable to Bangladesh. In the case of Bangladesh, the research focuses on the blue economy initiatives, opportunities, and challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The blue economy and SDGs nexus in the context of Bangladesh demonstrates that out of 17 goals, 12 SDGs (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 16 and SDG 17) are linked with blue economy practices in Bangladesh. However, in the case of developed countries, only six SDGs (SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14) are connected to the blue economy because of the diversity of blue economy practices across the countries. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh has significant potential to utilize its marine resources for sustainable development. However, it faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps, environmental risks, and limited technological advancements. The study thus emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks, stakeholder coordination, investments in sustainable infrastructure, public–private partnerships, technological innovation, and community engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen a sharp uptick in efforts to expedite resource extraction in, and expand biodiversity conservation to, Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), the ~70% of oceans outside state space. In this symposium piece, we explore the co‐constitution of the parallel acceleration of biodiversity conservation and economic exploitation that is unfolding in ways unique to the high seas, but consistent with global patterns wherein this coupling encloses space for capitalist value extraction. These coupled tendencies are part of expanded ocean regulation and, in ABNJ, they form part of state‐capital advancement into one of the remaining world frontiers. We explore this extraction‐conservation nexus in two contemporary ABNJ negotiations: 1) the Implementing Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and 2) the International Seabed Authority's development of an exploitation regime for deep‐seabed mining in the Area. Our findings build on insights from agrarian political economy and political ecology that establish the co‐constitution – rather than incommensurability – of conservation and extractive activities in terrestrial spaces and draw out the arenas of this nexus in the ecologically complex, political‐economic grey zone that is the uninhabited (by humans), non‐state space of the planet. This work contributes to placing the high seas and the emergent blue economy within the critical scholarship that describes and explores the conservation‐extraction nexus and its consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal communities have long been at the periphery of human geography. Nonetheless, the coasts present a rich context to understand and deconstruct processes of displacement—enclosure, ocean grabbing, gentrification, and financialization—and the salience of adjacency claims as resistance. While scholars have theorized that the coast's spatial specificity may enable communities to raise adjacency claims, scholarship has not reconciled the degree to which coastal communities should benefit from marine resources and ocean spaces. This displacement-adjacency framework and research agenda provide a lens to study discourses, cases of contestation, and the potency of such protests of interrelated coastal displacement processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the governance of low trophic species mariculture (LTM) using Sweden as a case study. LTM, involving species such as seaweeds and mollusks, offers ecosystem services and nutritious foods. Despite its potential to contribute to blue growth and Sustainable Development Goals, LTM development in the EU and OECD countries has stagnated. A framework for mapping governance elements (institutions, structures, and processes) and analyzing governance objective (effective, equitable, responsive, and robust) was combined with surveys addressed to the private entrepreneurs in the sector. Analysis reveals ineffective institutions due to lack of updated legislation and guidance, resulting in ambiguous interpretations. Governance structures include multiple decision-making bodies without a clear coordination agency. Licensing processes were lengthy and costly for the private entrepreneurs, and the outcomes were uncertain. To support Sweden's blue bioeconomy, LTM governance requires policy integration, clearer direction, coordinated decision-making, and mechanisms for conflict resolution and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds are essential autotrophs in the marine environment, resembling submerged forests near shorelines that provide habitats for various organisms. They have now become a significant source of numerous bio-products and are cultivated and harvested in various regions worldwide, contributing to the burgeoning blue economy. Environmentally friendly utilization of marine resources is one solution to meet the increasing demand for bioenergy and bio-products in the advancing blue economy. In this study, we investigated the bioenergy potential of the brown macroalgae Dictyota dichotoma using the slow pyrolysis technique. The pyrolysis process was conducted at three different heating rates (5, 10, and 20 °C min−1) in an inert nitrogen gas atmosphere, starting from room temperature and reaching 800 °C. Four valorization stages were identified, and the data obtained were fitted to various model-free iso-conversional methods, namely Friedman, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, and Starink. The calculated activation energies ranged from 157.32 to 185.71 kJmol−1. The pre-exponential factor, determined from the kinetic compensation effect for the valorization processes, fell within the range of 4.8 × 108 to 6.5 × 1017 min−1. This range demonstrated the thermal conversion of both bioorganic and inorganic molecules, encompassing the relevant reactions throughout the entire process. Analysis using a master plot indicated that the pyrolysis of brown macroalgae primarily follows a diffusion-based process. The reproducibility of the data was further confirmed by fitting the experimental parameters obtained during the simulation process. The thermodynamic analysis revealed values of enthalpy (ΔH) ranging from 146.85 to 179.72 kJmol−1 and values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG) ranging from 143.91 to 288.19 kJmol−1. These findings demonstrate the endothermic and non-spontaneous behavior of seaweed biomass pyrolysis reactions. The entropic values indicated the formation of more ordered molecules during the latter three-pyrolysis stages. Overall, the results highlight the suitability of Dictyota seaweed biomass as a promising feedstock for bioenergy generation, contributing to the development of the blue economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recreational angling for novel marine species and related tourism development can be important in a Blue Economy. The milkfish (Chanos chanos) is growing in popularity as a target of fly fishing‐based catch‐and‐release (C&R) recreational fisheries, largely because of their challenge to catch and powerful swimming abilities, resulting in fight times that can exceed 1 h. Anecdotal sentiments by anglers claim that milkfish can fight for long periods of time because they do not accumulate blood lactate. To test this hypothesis, we measured blood lactate and blood glucose for 21 milkfish caught by fly fishing in the remote Alphonse Group of islands, Republic of Seychelles. Fight times ranged 5–78.3 min. Blood lactate and blood glucose concentrations increased with fight times that did not exceed 60 min. Total length of milkfish was not correlated to blood lactate or blood glucose concentrations. Ours is the first study on C&R of milkfish that debunks the anecdote that milkfish can fight for long periods of time because they do not accumulate blood lactate. Our study also revealed that milkfish may begin to physiologically recover after fight times longer than 60 min. In the context of C&R, our study indicates that anglers should limit fight times to 20–30 min when possible to reduce angling‐induced physiological stress and other potential impacts (e.g., depredation) on milkfish in recreational fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines Vietnam's maritime governance capacity and its challenges in dealing with gray zone conflicts, particularly its overlapping EEZ claims with Indonesia. It emphasizes the need for a decisive strategy to address these conflicts and highlights Indonesia's efforts to establish effective occupancy in contested waters. The text also discusses the development of civilian ships and maritime governance strategies in Southeast Asian countries in response to China's actions in the South China Sea. It suggests that Vietnam should prioritize the establishment of a gray zone conflict strategy and learn from Indonesia's response to similar challenges. [Extracted from the article]

Maritime countries, including Indonesia, have indicated their interest in developing a national ocean policy and blue economy plan to boost economic growth while promoting sustainability in and from oceanic activities. In 2017, the Government of Indonesia published the Indonesian Ocean Policy (IOP), the first of its kind since independence, and subsequently developed a series of blue economy documents as an integral part of its national development agenda whilst also indicating its support for the global sustainability objectives stipulated in the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, development obstacles such as: declining ocean health; climate crises; fragmented ocean management; inadequate infrastructure and technology; limited data support; low sustainable investment; and the blurred definition of the blue economy, pose risks to successful outcomes of sustainable ocean development in Indonesia. When unaddressed, these challenges can inhibit the policy's effectiveness in delivering its intended outcomes. This qualitative study explores Indonesia's interests in sustainable ocean development and how it pursues them while advancing economic objectives and commitments towards SDGs and net zero emission targets. The study finds that maintaining ocean health and ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources are Indonesia's most vital interests for sustainable ocean development. The national ocean policy and the blue economy have been employed as two successive and simultaneous avenues to pursue Indonesia's maritime interests. Unfortunately, to date, both approaches have yet to obtain maturity and ocean affairs are overshadowed by other national development priorities. By focusing on ocean governance and its development in the contemporary context, this article sheds light on the important role of policymaking in modern-day ocean governance. A cautious approach to policy design is crucial to avoid common pitfalls in sustainable ocean development, such as weak implementation strategies and the consequent failure to meet core sustainability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine-derived nutrients and bioactive compounds may offer a myriad of biological benefits, such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and technological potential, enhancing food quality as additives. Their role in the sustainable development of food technology is fundamental, especially in advancing the knowledge of functional foods and related technologies. Algae are considered one of the major sources of marine-derived ingredients and the subject of several recent studies. Despite their potential, the translation of marine ingredients' potential into a marine-based competitiveness of the food industry faces hurdles in the extraction process and operational systems scale-up that the industry needs to tackle. The complexity of marine matrices with diverse compounds and solubilities adds complexity to extraction processes and may lead to low yields or bioactivity loss. Contaminants, like heavy metals and pesticide residues in marine organisms, require rigorous purification processes for product safety. The use of biorefinery systems in marine-based ingredients' production, particularly cascade processes, offers zero-waste solutions, contributing to the blue economy and aligning with UN sustainability goals. Sustainability assessment tools are critical for evaluating marine-based food production's environmental, social, and economic impacts. A continued exploration and collaboration are essential for the future, fostering innovation and sustainability to create a resilient, equitable, and eco-friendly food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada has committed to establishing a socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable blue economy but has not yet determined a sustainability standard that industry must meet to be included in this aspirational blue economy. For the blue economy to be an effective, sustainable alternative to the regular ocean economy, clear criteria for ocean business must be established to reduce the risk of blue washing. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an ideal theoretical basis from which to develop a marine sector standard for blue economy industry. Using a criteria-based approach, this work selected relevant SDG targets that can guide Canada's ocean industry in the transition to a blue economy. Through a stepwise process, the selected targets were further contextualized to the company level resulting in a blue economy capacity assessment framework (BECF) that offers four blue economy industry aims and associated enabling mechanisms. The BECF practically links the theory of the SDGs to a desired outcome, providing a method for an ocean-based company to assess its contribution to all three dimensions of Canada's blue economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific oyster is prominent in global food security and the blue economy. As an unfed aquaculture species, the oyster offers substantial potential to contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, health, and employment. By capitalising on its biophysical attributes, the industry can enhance production efficiency and economic sustainability. This study advances critical insights into commercially important biophysical traits of the Pacific oyster across its supply chains in southern Australia (South Australia and Tasmania). Applying quantitative analysis to qualitative data using proportional odds logit modelling, reflexive thematic analysis (with theme salience), Fleiss' Kappa analyses, and a novel Industry-Acclaimed Trait Importance (IATI) Index, we identify non-specific survival, uniform growth, and shell integrity (hard, dense, and less chalky) as primary determinants of production success. The meat quality, shell appearance, and size consistency are also of prime importance for marketability. Notably, we discover the shell, which is not eaten and often overlooked in the oyster production economy, as a critical factor impacting 78% of identified biophysical traits, revealing a potential avenue for production and sales optimisation. By delineating the characteristics of a model oyster, we provide a blueprint for selective breeding and farm management practices to enhance product quality and foster sustainable Pacific oyster aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean industries are characterized by being export-driven. The exports of ocean industries (hereafter termed ocean exports) caused environmental pollution with amounts of CO2 emissions and thereby affected climate change. There is a need, therefore, for accurate assessments of CO2 emissions embodied in ocean exports--which can help policymakers adopt targeted emissionreduction measures to formulate sustainable ocean policies. However, few studies of ocean-industry emissions considered impacts in sectoral and trade pattern heterogeneity, especially from export perspective. To fill this gap, we measured and evaluated the export-embodied CO2 emissions from China's ocean industries, based on our newly developed high-resolution and comparable time-series environmentally extended input-output database, called EE-DPN-OEIOT. The results showed that China's ocean exports generated 94.3 Mt of embodied CO2 emissions in 2017, with nearly 40% originating from processing ocean exports. Regarding the evolution from 2007 to 2017, the total export-embodied CO2 emissions from ocean industries decreased by 7.3%, while the embodied CO2 emissions in processing ocean exports increased by 50.1%. From 2007 to 2017, the decrease in carbon emission intensity was the major driving factor of the downturn in export-embodied CO2 emissions across the total ocean economy and for seven ocean subsectors (60%), while the export-scale effect primarily drove the increases in CO2 emissions. Moreover, there were disparities in the driving factors behind changes in embodied CO2 emissions between processing and non-processing ocean exports. Based on our findings, we proposed three recommendations from a trade perspective to facilitate low-carbon sustainable transition of China's ocean economy, thus better fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 14. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify and prioritize risks within the tuna supply chain on the South Coast of East Java, focusing on factors that impact the overall efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability of the industry. The research employs the PROMETHEE method, a multi-criteria decision-making tool, to systematically evaluate and rank risks associated with tuna production, particularly those related to product quality, work safety, and logistical efficiency. The findings reveal that product quality is the most significant risk, primarily driven by the perishability of tuna and inadequacies in cold chain infrastructure. This poses a substantial challenge to maintaining quality from catch to market, threatening the competitiveness of East Java's tuna industry in both local and global markets. The study also emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in managing these risks. By engaging fishermen, middlemen, traders, and other key players in the supply chain, the research provides a comprehensive analysis that captures the diverse challenges faced by different groups. Prioritizing risks enables stakeholders to focus their efforts on the most critical areas, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable supply chain. This research offers valuable insights into risk management within the tuna supply chain in East Java, with practical implications for improving industry practices. By addressing the identified risks--particularly through enhanced cold chain management and stakeholder cooperation--the study provides actionable strategies for strengthening the region's tuna industry. These findings align with broader goals of the blue economy, promoting sustainable practices that support economic development while preserving marine resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of the invasive Asian macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae along the coasts of the Azores represents a significant challenge for local marine biodiversity. A promising approach to managing the biomass produced by this alien alga is to valorize it in the context of the blue economy. This study characterizes and evaluates the potential of R. okamurae biomass for incorporation into cattle feed, with a focus on mitigating enteric methane production. The nutritional value of R. okamurae, its digestibility, and its potential as a mitigating agent for enteric methane production were analyzed in vitro. The results indicate that the inclusion of 5% R. okamurae in the diet significantly (p < 0.05) reduced accumulated methane production by 98% after 24 h of incubation. The addition of 1% algae over the same period resulted in a 38% reduction in methane production. However, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in gas production of 57.02% and 73.5% was also observed in relation to control, with the inclusion of 1% and 5%, respectively, during 96 h. Nutritionally, R. okamurae was found to have a crude protein content of 18.68% and fiber (NDF) of 55.71% of DM. It is also worth highlighting the high content of ash (31.86%) that was identified in these brown macroalgae. In conclusion, the fresh biomass of R. okamurae could serve as a functional ingredient in cattle feed to mitigate enteric methane production, provided it is used in low percentages. However, it is important to emphasize that high concentrations in the first 12 h did not produce methane, which is also not recommended for enteric fermentation. However, before including it in animal feed, in vivo tests are needed to assess its toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European strategic policy directions toward a sustainable blue economy have strengthened interest in maritime investments, thus increasing sectoral competition for marine space. Emerging repercussions out of such a rising interest need to be handled by marine spatial planning (MSP) as a means of properly allocating marine space to diverse uses; managing conflicts and promoting synergies among them; and pursuing a multi-use perspective of this space. A critical stage of each MSP exercise is the exploration of land- and marine-based policy directions and their current or potential repercussions in the marine environment. Such an exploration is carried out in this work by means of a qualitative policy review for informing the MSP process in the Northern Aegean Sea, Greece. By delving into diverse policy frameworks at various spatial levels—i.e., local (urban), regional, and national/European—constraints, but also perspectives in policy choices/maritime uses in the MSP context, are identified, thus guiding more informed MSP choices in the specific study region while attaining a successful integration or coordination between land and marine developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae are beneficial for consumers and producers due to their high productivity, their chemical composition and their efficient cultivation without additional feed. Asia dominates global macroalgae production, while European production is still marginal and mainly based on wild harvesting in the North Atlantic. The European Commission has launched initiatives to promote the sustainable production, safe consumption and innovative use of macroalgae products in European regional seas, including the Mediterranean Sea. A variety of coastal and seabed types and a wide range of environmental conditions make the Mediterranean a hotspot of marine biodiversity while providing good conditions for the cultivation of macroalgae. The aim of this paper is to compare the global macroalgae production and macroalgae production in the Mediterranean Sea, focussing on the cultivation of edible macroalgae. The paper also discusses the limitations and possibilities of macroalgae production in the region. Macroalgae production is one of the most promising sectors of the blue economy in the Mediterranean. The production of edible macroalgae suitable for human consumption has great potential, considering future population growth and related food security and health issues, as well as the additional ecosystem benefits of macroalgae production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) is one of the most important fishery items for the EU blue economy. This paper describes a software architecture based on neural networks, designed to identify the presence of N. norvegicus and estimate the number of its individuals per square meter (i.e. stock density) in deep-sea (350–380 m depth) Fishery No-Take Zones of the northwestern Mediterranean. Inferencing models were obtained by training open-source networks with images obtained from frames partitioning of in submarine vehicle videos. Animal detections were also tracked in successive frames of video sequences to avoid biases in individual recounting, offering significant success and precision in detection and density estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'blue economy' is slowly emerging as a catch-all concept that captures the goals of sustaining economic development opportunities while simultaneously maintaining ocean ecosystem health. However, identifying the scope and boundaries of the blue economy has proven to be a challenging task. The aim of this article is to provide a new approach to finding a practical definition of the blue economy. Social equity is noted as the legal component and balancing mechanism that operates between the economy and the environment. This legal compensation mechanism has so far only been rudimentarily elaborated on in governance texts and must be given concrete form through legal methods and, in particular, through the creation of an institutional and procedural framework. The article introduces the idea that an advanced legal concept for the blue economy can be realised by using existing administrative processes and by strengthening the participation of private actors within these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) region is becoming increasingly important in international politics due to its strategic location as a transit route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The BoB is bordered by India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, with a combined population of 1.7 billion and a GDP of $1.7 trillion. The region is a critical chokepoint for maritime shipping, with approximately 90,000 ships passing through the Malacca Strait each year. The BoB is also experiencing growth in the blue economy, with a focus on sectors such as fishing, offshore energy, shipping, and coastal tourism. However, the region faces challenges such as security issues, environmental vulnerabilities, political instability, and non-traditional maritime crimes. Piracy and armed robbery are prevalent in the BoB, and the region is a transit point for illicit trade, including narcotics and contraband. Irregular maritime migration is also a significant issue, driven by economic insecurity, conflict, and climate vulnerability. The BoB is highly susceptible to natural disasters and climate change, which affect ocean productivity, habitats, and biological processes. The region is marked by communal and ethnic conflicts, and there is a growing power rivalry between China and India. Regional organizations such as BIMSTEC have been established to address these issues, but their effectiveness has been limited. This special issue aims to explore the contestation for control in the BoB region, the role of regional organizations, and the [Extracted from the article]

According to sustainability, the Strategy to protect the oceans, water surfaces, and water resources that constitute 70% of the world is generally called a Blue Economy (BE). This Strategy maximizes the return from the aquatic environment, which can only be achieved when economic activity is perfectly balanced with the long-term activity of ocean ecosystems. Threats arising during and after studies and activities should be anticipated and actively reduced. This proactive stance is fundamental to the Blue Economy philosophy and allows us to reap its benefits while protecting our oceans. One of the most essential elements of the Blue Economy philosophy is maritime transportation, Ships, and Ports. The maritime industry should remain sustainable and green as it develops. The study investigated the impact of the Blue Economy on maritime transportation and how maritime transportation affects world trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic Zone of Russia (AZR), due to its significant potential, for the implementation of which infrastructure projects and strategic plans are envisaged, is of great importance for the country. Particular attention is paid to the transport and related infrastructure development. The implementation of such projects requires the creation and implementation of modern integrated solutions based on new technical and technological solutions. The development of new territories is accompanied by problems such as urbanization and the disruption of ecosystems, which will have a particularly negative impact on the Arctic zone. The situation is complicated by the fact that the work must be carried out in difficult conditions, which are associated with a large number of risks, including environmental ones. Currently, many types of businesses are characterized by a transition to the implementation of the concepts of green and blue economy, as well as ESG principles when building strategic development plans that include risk reduction. Achieving this goal is possible through an environmental risk management system. To create a suchlike system, it is necessary to identify the most significant risk characteristics of each type of activity, taking into account their negative impact on the environment, after which it will be possible to plan measures to either prevent risks or minimize their consequences. Taking into account the above, we plan to develop the concept of an environmental risk management system (ERMS) as part of the region's development strategy implementation. To reach this purpose, identifying the main groups of environmental risks depending on the danger source based on the scientific article review results, systematizing concepts aimed at improving the environmental situation under different types of anthropogenic impacts on the environment, developing an algorithm for implementing an environmental risk management system depending on the risk type, and proposing a concept for building an environmental risk management system are needed. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that the main directions of negative anthropogenic impact on the environment are systematized, and possible ways to reduce environmental risks are outlined. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that when implementing such a system, it will be possible to manage not only risks of a certain category, but also monitor the situation as a whole, identifying the consequences for related areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses newspaper coverage of ‘blue economy’ in the UK 2012–2020. It elaborates on Germond-Duret and Germond’s (2022) finding that UK media published a dominant development discourse concerning the UK’s marine space without reflecting on the risks of growth agendas. Articles from UK print media featuring ‘blue economy’ were compiled from LexisNexis then analysed to establish patterns of publishing, the investors, investments and projects reported, the experts cited and their statements on blue economy. Analysis reveals no sustained coverage, little that communicated with a national audience, little investigative reporting, and no predominance of London-based newspapers in news production. Reporting on blue economy was sporadic until a surge in 2020 that coincided with efforts to secure investments through local growth plans. Newspapers registered this buzz of activity, collecting statements from actors who used business ethics to express the legitimacy of their planning to build what they called a ‘blue economy’ even though this looked more like ‘blue growth’. A second group of actors including the Scottish Government announced plans to build a ‘sustainable blue economy’. These actors used the ethics of regional development, achieving net zero and protecting, enhancing or restoring ocean environments. Journalists reported critical views on these plans: inadequate attention to environmental protection, investment in activities seen as environmentally unsustainable or investments with limited regional development. Thus, analysis of statements on ‘blue economy’ reveals a discursive field featuring a confusion of contested ethical claims. This paper identifies the UK’s fragmented newspaper landscape and new architecture of public–private enterprise partnerships as important contexts shaping media engagement with blue economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Blue economy has the potential to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs while protecting marine ecosystems. This research uses a comprehensive analysis of secondary data sources to assess various blue economy sectors, including maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, and ocean mining. By examining the blue economy experiences of developed nations like the United States, Canada, Japan, Norway, and Australia, the study identifies the best SDG practices and strategic lessons applicable to Bangladesh. In the case of Bangladesh, the research focuses on the blue economy initiatives, opportunities, and challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The blue economy and SDGs nexus in the context of Bangladesh demonstrates that out of 17 goals, 12 SDGs (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 16 and SDG 17) are linked with blue economy practices in Bangladesh. However, in the case of developed countries, only six SDGs (SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14) are connected to the blue economy because of the diversity of blue economy practices across the countries. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh has significant potential to utilize its marine resources for sustainable development. However, it faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps, environmental risks, and limited technological advancements. The study thus emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks, stakeholder coordination, investments in sustainable infrastructure, public–private partnerships, technological innovation, and community engagement.

Abstract Fishing, fish processing, and tourism are important actors in the blue economy. These industries depend on fishery resources and natural environments. However, overfishing and congestion in tourist areas can also lead to environmental pollution and resource depletion. In addition, wastewater from the fish-processing industry can damage the environment and resources, hindering sustainable development. This study analyzes whether fishery environmental policies can lead to sustainable development in blue economies using an R&D-based growth model that includes firm location. Both policies promote economic growth, but fishery policy leads to pollution havens from North to South and increases tourism consumption through improved environmental quality. Under certain parameter conditions, environmental policy leads to pollution havens from South to North and decreases tourism consumption through worsened environmental quality. However, when these conditions change, the environmental policy leads to pollution havens from South to North. Then, fisheries and environmental policies have complementary effects on pollution havens from the South to the North. This study result stating that fishery policies, not environmental ones, can achieve sustainable blue tourism. This outcome relies on the cost of exogenous rent-seeking for ITQs being passed on to fishing prices. Hence, in the blue economy, this rent-seeking could have serious negative impacts on marine ecosystems. Besides, this study suggests that in the blue economy, fisheries and environmental policies may have unintended adverse government impacts on fisheries resources and pollution emissions through their interdependent effects. In achieving a sustainable blue economy, policymakers should consider the indirect effects of these policies on marine ecosystems.

The expansion of the invasive Asian macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae along the coasts of the Azores represents a significant challenge for local marine biodiversity. A promising approach to managing the biomass produced by this alien alga is to valorize it in the context of the blue economy. This study characterizes and evaluates the potential of R. okamurae biomass for incorporation into cattle feed, with a focus on mitigating enteric methane production. The nutritional value of R. okamurae, its digestibility, and its potential as a mitigating agent for enteric methane production were analyzed in vitro. The results indicate that the inclusion of 5% R. okamurae in the diet significantly (p < 0.05) reduced accumulated methane production by 98% after 24 h of incubation. The addition of 1% algae over the same period resulted in a 38% reduction in methane production. However, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in gas production of 57.02% and 73.5% was also observed in relation to control, with the inclusion of 1% and 5%, respectively, during 96 h. Nutritionally, R. okamurae was found to have a crude protein content of 18.68% and fiber (NDF) of 55.71% of DM. It is also worth highlighting the high content of ash (31.86%) that was identified in these brown macroalgae. In conclusion, the fresh biomass of R. okamurae could serve as a functional ingredient in cattle feed to mitigate enteric methane production, provided it is used in low percentages. However, it is important to emphasize that high concentrations in the first 12 h did not produce methane, which is also not recommended for enteric fermentation. However, before including it in animal feed, in vivo tests are needed to assess its toxicity.

Blue economy approach is slowly gaining significance, and many nations are placing it on their national agendas to strengthen the maritime policy. The sustainable exploitation of marine resources is the key to achieving blue economic development including commercial seaweed farming. The production of red seaweeds with superior-quality agar in India has propelled research to develop viable cultivation technologies. However, the carragenophyte Kappaphycus alvarezii has more industrial support and is the only seaweed taxa commercially farmed in India. The present investigation offers a comparative economic case study between these two groups. Critical economic parameters were analyzed for important operational components, i.e., individual-centric operation and family-centric operation, under three scenarios namely, without subsidy and 40% and 60% subsidy respectively. A lowest payback period was noticed for K. alvarezii cultivated by the family-centric operation under all three scenarios (without subsidy: 0.76 year; 40% subsidy: 0.61 year; 60% subsidy: 0.53 year). However, the minimum breakeven point in the range of 7.3–10.1 dry tons was reported in the case of farming of Gracilaria dura under different subsidies, followed by K. alvarezii (breakeven point value: 15.1–22 dry tons). The net present value and internal rates of return of K. alvarezii were found to be 3123–8863 USD and 31–90%, respectively under different subsidies. All four agarophytes resulted in negative net present values irrespective of subsidy scenario and hence, it is not economically viable. In terms of profit, among five seaweeds, K. alvarezii only showed a profit of 328–902 USD and 4905–10,646 USD for individual and family-centric models, respectively. The more comprehensive analysis with realistic costing—considering uncertain weather conditions and disease infestation—also pointed out the superiority of family-centric operations. The projections from economic analysis revealed that commercial farming of agarophyte is not viable at individual and family-centric operations, but K. alvarezii farming is viable for both operations in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the demand for seaweed biomass and high-quality products has created an urgent need for a more productive and sustainable cultivation system. Deep seawater (DSW) is rich in inorganic nutrients, unpolluted, and has low-temperature stability. Small-scale industries utilising DSW have been established, with DSW being employed for bottled drinking water, aquaculture, agriculture, cosmetics, medicine, food, and power generation—all contributing to substantial economic benefits. DSW has also been used for seaweed farming, where its high nutrient levels have increased biomass yield and biochemical composition while reducing fertiliser expenditures. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is an emerging technology for renewable energy production. The DSW drawn up to generate energy through the temperature difference between the cold DSW and the warm surface seawater can be used for diverse applications, including seaweed cultivation. In warm tropical regions, the cold DSW can be used to manipulate the temperature of seawater to extend the range of temperate high-value seaweeds into the tropics. Malaysia has been identified as suitable for OTEC development, especially in Sabah. An ongoing OTEC research project between Malaysia and Japan includes research on value creation from the OTEC DSW through the cultivation of abalone and seaweeds. It is timely for a comprehensive review of the advantages of using DSW for seaweed farming and how the integration of this innovative technology with the OTEC system can provide value-added products and revenue to both industries, which are important components of the emerging blue economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examines the factors that influence the blue economy in EUROMED, aiming at promoting economic growth in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. EUROMED was chosen because all of its nations have fisheries and marine tourism, which are the two key indicators of the blue economy. Blue economy contributes to sustainable development in the fisheries and marine tourism sectors. A commitment to sustainability has sped up national and regional blue economy policy development. The study uses secondary qualitative data and literature review to analyse the synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The findings suggest that GDP growth, aqua production, open trade, CO2 emissions, and inflation rate influence the blue economy, and that ecotourism that considers education, society, and the environment may generate sustainable fisheries and marine tourism. Only 21 countries gave the ARDL test between 2000 and 2019. This study analyses synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Location-based contextual development of blue economies that suit all players' requirements is essential to maintain sustainability objectives. Ensure resilience against future environmental and political shocks, preserve the ecological underpinning for vibrant blue economies, and create capacity at all levels to promote effective and fair governance. This study tries to make good use of ocean conservation and aquaculture within the context of the blue economy. This is the first EUROMED blue economy study and contributes to the theoretical and methodological development of blue economy research.

What is blue colonialism? As a concept, it is an avatar of the privatization of the seas, emblematic of the post-new Law of the Sea; it’s a phenomenon justified in the name of the blue economy, insofar as the context of the Anthropocene implies the economicization of the sea, and facilitated by the functional spatialization of maritime areas, through the development of marine spatial planning and marine protected areas. But, in practice, blue colonialism appears a geopolitically differentiated strategy, initially developed in the Indo-Pacific, in the maritime areas under national jurisdiction of Small Island Developing States, as a model to be replicated, according to a logic of compensation and in order to secure access to the mineral resources needed for the ecological transition; implemented, via the private environmental governance of NGOs and trusts, and the associated financialization of conservation, in the form of a renunciation of sovereignty in favor of a transnational dynamic, blue colonialism is a new legal paradigm at the service of the dominant economic model, but also a blue injustice intending to transfer the burden of the sacrifices onto those who are not responsible for the triple planetary crisis, to continue the growth process. ¿QUÉ ES EL COLONIALISMO AZUL? ¿Qué es el colonialismo azul? Como concepto, es un avatar de la privatización de los mares, emblemático del derecho del mar post-nuevo; se trata de un fenómeno justificado en nombre de la economía azul, en la medida en que el contexto del Antropoceno implica la economicización del mar, y facilitado por la espacialización funcional de las áreas marítimas, a través del desarrollo de la planificación espacial marina y de las áreas marinas protegidas. Pero, en la práctica, el colonialismo azul parece una estrategia geopolíticamente diferenciada, desarrollada inicialmente en el Indo-Pacífico, en las zonas marítimas bajo jurisdicción nacional de pequeños Estados insulares en desarrollo, como un modelo a replicar, según una lógica de compensación y con el fin de garantizar el acceso a los recursos minerales necesarios para la transición ecológica; implementado, a través de la gobernanza medioambiental privada de las ONG y los trusts, y la financiarización asociada de la conservación, en forma de una renuncia de soberanía en favor de una dinámica transnacional, el colonialismo azul es un nuevo paradigma jurídico al servicio del modelo económico dominante, pero también una injusticia azul que pretende transferir la carga de los sacrificios a quienes no son responsables de la triple crisis planetaria, para continuar el proceso de crecimiento. QU’EST-CE QUE LE COLONIALISME BLEU? Qu’est-ce que le colonialisme bleu? En tant que concept, c’est un avatar de la privatisation des mers, emblématique du droit de la mer post-nouveau; il s’agit d’un phénomène justifié au nom de l’économie bleue, dans la mesure où le contexte de l’Anthropocène implique l’économicisation de la mer, et facilité par la spatialisation fonctionnelle des espaces maritimes, à travers le développement de la planification spatiale marine et des aires marines protégées. Mais, en pratique, le colonialisme bleu apparaît une stratégie géopolitiquement différenciée, initialement développée dans l’Indo-Pacifique, dans les espaces maritimes sous juridiction nationale de petits États insulaires en développement, comme un modèle à répliquer, selon une logique de compensation et afin de sécuriser l’accès aux ressources minérales nécessaires à la transition écologique ; mis en œuvre, via la gouvernance environnementale privée des ONG et des trusts, et la financiarisation associée de la conservation, sous la forme d’un renoncement de souveraineté au profit d’une dynamique transnationale, le colonialisme bleu est un nouveau paradigme juridique au service du modèle économique dominant, mais aussi une injustice bleue visant à transférer la charge des sacrifices sur ceux qui ne sont pas responsables de la triple crise planétaire, afin de poursuivre le processus de croissance.

This systematic review aims to provide a methodical analysis of the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly from the perspective of Bangladesh, focusing on its growth trajectory, key stakeholders, policy frameworks, technological advancements, trade and investment trends, as well as challenges and opportunities for international business expansion. The methods employed a comprehensive search of electronic databases, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant studies for analysis. The results revealed that from 2000 to 2020, the Blue Economy sectors of the country, such as fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation, and tourism, saw notable development. International development agencies, corporations, academic institutions, governments, and civil society organizations are some of the major players in Blue Economy projects. The policy frameworks that facilitate the development of the Blue Economy include integrated ocean management, blue growth initiatives, maritime security and governance, and resilience and adaptation to climate change. Innovation and expansion in the Blue Economy sectors have been fueled by technological breakthroughs, such as autonomous underwater vehicles, renewable energy projects, remote sensing technologies, and marine biotechnology. Rising demand for sustainable goods and services, technical advancement, and regional collaboration have all contributed to an increase in trade and investment in Blue Economy industries internationally. The study concludes that there is significant potential for the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region to drive economic growth, promote social progress, and ensure environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as regulatory complexity, access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation need to be addressed to fully realize this potential. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, academia, civil society organizations, and international development agencies, along with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development practices.

The Italian shellfish industry mainly comprises clams, mussels, and oysters. While clam production thrives and Italy leads Europe, mussel farming faces economic challenges. Oyster production is relatively new and holds potential. Sustainable development is crucial for meeting growing seafood demand while ensuring resource conservation and food safety. This paper, part of the VALUE-SHELL project funded by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) as part of support activities for the National Strategic Plan of Aquaculture, combines desk research on industry structure and public interventions using a collaborative approach involving stakeholder interviews and focus groups with producers and local entities to assess the sector’s most compelling needs. The collaborative process highlighted key challenges across the following four sustainability pillars: environmental (global warming, predator control, and pollution mitigation are critical concerns for ecosystem balance); economic (increased production costs and limited diversification opportunities affect profitability); social (fear of generational decline due to limited training and education opportunities poses a threat to the industry’s future); and institutional (lack of a dedicated aquaculture law and fragmented governance hinder long-term planning). The project identifies policy bottlenecks hindering the sector’s potential, caused by not fully addressing producer needs. Sustainable development strategies are essential for addressing these challenges and ensuring the Italian shellfish industry’s future.

Māori, as substantial stakeholders in the fishery sector, must play a major role in any imagined or proposed transition to a blue economy. This paper provides the results from a project examining how to indigenise the blue economy in Aotearoa New Zealand, outlining the underlying theory and providing results from five case studies. The paper explores three key thematic constraints identified in consultation with the Māori fishing sector, namely: centralisation of power; quota fragmentation; and product commodification. It concludes that there is a need to focus on: redressing the imbalance between iwi and hapū by providing quota for hapū while providing wrap around financial and capacity support, incorporating local experts in decision making, and creating community clusters; overcoming fragmentation through joint ventures and hybrid governance structures and a focus on quota optimisation; and increasing market differentiation through research, innovation, and branding and marketing initiatives.

This study examines the factors that influence the blue economy in EUROMED, aiming at promoting economic growth in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. EUROMED was chosen because all of its nations have fisheries and marine tourism, which are the two key indicators of the blue economy. Blue economy contributes to sustainable development in the fisheries and marine tourism sectors. A commitment to sustainability has sped up national and regional blue economy policy development. The study uses secondary qualitative data and literature review to analyse the synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The findings suggest that GDP growth, aqua production, open trade, CO2 emissions, and inflation rate influence the blue economy, and that ecotourism that considers education, society, and the environment may generate sustainable fisheries and marine tourism. Only 21 countries gave the ARDL test between 2000 and 2019. This study analyses synergies and conflicts between EUROMED blue economy strategies and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Location-based contextual development of blue economies that suit all players' requirements is essential to maintain sustainability objectives. Ensure resilience against future environmental and political shocks, preserve the ecological underpinning for vibrant blue economies, and create capacity at all levels to promote effective and fair governance. This study tries to make good use of ocean conservation and aquaculture within the context of the blue economy. This is the first EUROMED blue economy study and contributes to the theoretical and methodological development of blue economy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become a hot spot in the area of functional materials and have undergone rapid development in a wide range of fields in the 21st century. However, the scalable application of MOFs is still constrained by high production cost at the front end. Additionally, systematic discussion of the reuse of spent MOFs is lacking. Encouragingly, an increasing number of studies have been focusing on the low-cost production and recycling of MOF-based materials, providing feasible solutions for resource recovery and reduction. To stimulate future enthusiasm and interest in realizing the blue economy of MOFs, ranging from front-end production to terminal disposal, we have presented and summarized the state-of-the-art progress in the sustainable synthesis, separation, and reuse of MOFs. Based on the existing challenges, we also propose fit-for-purpose future directions in the MOF field to move toward blue economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically examines the intersections of Science, colonialism, and cartography in shaping perceptions of the ocean and its human-nature relationships. Drawing on Postcolonial Science and Technology Studies (PCSTS) and Decolonial Theory, it scrutinizes historical mapping practices, revealing how they perpetuated ontological hierarchies and controlled narratives of the ocean. Through archival research spanning from the Revolution to colonial exploration, the paper exposes how maps framed the ocean as a controllable entity, obscuring socio-cultural dimensions of biodiversity. Focusing on a case study in Northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, the authors explore an Empatheatre mapping process, that challenges Western ontologies and promotes counter-hegemonic cartographic practices. Situating this within critical cartography and PCSTS literature, the paper reveals how colonial projects molded perceptions of oceanic space and influenced environmental governance. In the South African context, the ocean is haunted by a violent history of racial exclusion and ecological exploitation. Initiatives like Operation Phakisa's Blue Economy plan underscore the tension between economic growth and ecological sustainability, leading to rapid coastal developments. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a tool to reconcile these interests, yet its implementation raises questions about inclusivity and community participation. Introducing the Empatheatre method, characterized by a 'Call and Response' approach, the paper invites local communities to co-create maps reflecting their concerns and relationships with the ocean. Through attentive listening and collaborative storytelling, Empatheatre challenges traditional consultation methods, prioritizing meaningful engagement and collective meaning-making. Mapping in this context is not merely a static representation but a dynamic process of collective thinking and relationality. By foregrounding the social, cultural, and ecological context, Empatheatre's approach redefines the mapmaker-map relationship and empowers communities as active agents in shaping their narratives. The transformative potential of Empatheatre lies in its ability to shift power dynamics and foster empathy between diverse stakeholders. Through performative storytelling and visual representations, Empatheatre creates space for marginalized voices and alternative modes of knowledge transmission. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a decolonial approach to oceanic cartographies that acknowledges diverse ontologies and fosters inclusive governance structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the global challenges faced by marine ecosystems and the people that depend on them, there is a growing worldwide uptake of the "Blue Economy" approach for establishing equitable and sustainable ocean industries. Research has shown that the capacity to achieve these Blue Economies is largely shaped by enabling governance conditions related to social and economic equity, more so than available natural resources. Yet there is often a very wide variation across such enabling conditions even within nations and subregions of the world. This must be addressed to build the foundations necessary for regional development and cooperation in shared ocean systems, but will require much beyond investments in scientific knowledge, technology, or infrastructure. Indeed, in most developing (and some developed) regions of the world, enabling conditions for and establishing a Blue Economy will require confronting and redressing colonial and postcolonial histories of systematic underdevelopment. Accordingly, we conduct a regional, historical comparative analysis to assess how country differences in colonial and post-colonial development processes correspond with varying levels of Blue Economy capacity. We focus on the Caribbean given its deep reliance on ocean systems, the wide variability in current enabling conditions for a Blue Economy, and its long history of colonial exploitation. Our structural analysis emphasizes how the historical forces of colonial and neocolonial development serve as long-standing obstacles to achieving high Blue Economy capacity in the region. We reason that these findings provide further justification for reparation programs, which possess relevance for ocean sustainability and development across the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of socio-economics and livelihoods of milkfish (Chanos chanos) pond farming to coastal communities is limited in Tanzania. This study assessed the milkfish pond farming contribution to the socio-economics and livelihoods along the Tanzanian coastline. Sixty-three milkfish farms were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire. The results indicated that milkfish pond farming was characterized by low production. The milkfish pond production was positively influenced by farmers' experience, the number of fingerlings stocked, and pond fertilization. However, milkfish pond farming was significantly negatively affected by days of culture and age of the farmers. The results further showed that milkfish pond farming is a source of income to the owners after selling their fish through retail, wholesale, and on-farm sales via mobile phone communications. However, milkfish pond farms in the studied areas had a negative margin considering all financial factors. Interestingly, milkfish pond farming is a source of food, income, and employment to the community. Nevertheless, milkfish pond farming is constrained by inadequate feeds, seeds, funds, technical support, and existence of theft and predators. Therefore, addressing these challenges is necessary for enhancing milkfish pond farming contribution to the socio-economics well-being and livelihoods support for the coastal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reviews various financing solutions available for fisheries and aquaculture development in Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) and Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Previously identified financing needs within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors have been matched with the most suitable financing mechanisms. However, the use of blue levies is recommended and applicable in almost every scenario, as they allow these sectors to drive their own development in financing research and conservation projects to their own benefit. The use of "blue tokens" with sufficiently low repayment coupons allows development projects to gather public support for fisheries, thereby increasing the likelihood of the project being successful through community buy-in. The possibility of natural capital being traded as public equities as "Natural Asset Companies" provides the opportunity for development projects to fund themselves. The review concludes that natural capital can be leveraged as the base through which public-private partnerships (PPPs) can facilitate optimal delivery of ecosystem services, benefit multiple stakeholders, and provide numerous development opportunities. An enabling environment for debt and lending with low-interest loan repayments is also applicable to almost every scenario, as it facilitates access to capital finance for infrastructure development and the acquisition of increasingly sustainable fishing equipment. Steps towards generating an enabling environment for financing fisheries and aquaculture in the Caribbean region are also discussed. The establishment of dedicated financing institutions, PPPs, and sufficient data reporting infrastructure for the fisheries and aquaculture industry are essential for driving development in these sectors. Likely, the largest limiting factor in financing Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture industries is a lack of awareness of the range of finance and financing mechanisms available to stakeholders, as well as an enabling environment for financing blue Economy sectors. This review is thus intended to aid financing institutions, Blue Economy developers, and specifically Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders and Caribbean governments by raising awareness of the financing mechanisms available, encourage the incorporation of their use in the fisheries and aquaculture industries in the Caribbean, and encourage policymakers to create an enabling environment for financing development in these crucial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA process of Environmental Scanning and Strategic Options Definition aims at identifying knowledge gaps and opportunities to fulfil EFSA's mission more efficiently and contribute to the definition of EFSA's work programme and long‐term strategy. The identification of trends, drivers of change and emerging risks in the fields within EFSA's mission is one of the objectives of this process. The Member States and stakeholders in the EFSA knowledge networks for emerging risks, namely the Emerging Risks Exchange Network (EREN) and the Stakeholder Discussion Group on Emerging Risks (StaDG‐ER), have identified several emerging chemical issues/risks and analysed them according to the EFSA definition of emerging risks and characterisation criteria. In addition, various EFSA projects have been conducted for the identification of emerging chemical issues/risks using a wide range of methodologies and tools, like text and data mining, drivers' analysis, foresight and chemical analysis (suspect screening, non‐target analysis). In these projects, a variety of specific emerging chemical issues/risks have been identified and drivers of emerging risks explored (climate change, blue economy, circular economy). This technical report provides an overview of EFSA's activities related to emerging chemicals in the period 2020‐2023. Identified emerging chemicals as well as the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the overall identification process in place, with a particular focus on its sustainability in the long term, are reported. In the context of the latest regulatory developments related to the set‐up of an early warning system for emerging chemicals, actions to maximise opportunities and minimise weaknesses are described. They focus on collaborative efforts with a wide range of organisations for a permanent and sustainable emerging chemical risks identification system and developments to support the exchange of information on emerging chemical risks via specialised platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the umbrella of Blue Economy, research interest is focused on harnessing the potential of macroalgae biomass, known as third-generation feedstock, from which multiple products can be extracted. As many of these exploitation pathways are not yet feasible for large-scale implementation, a significant number of publications adopt LCA as a tool to assess the sustainability of the proposed value chains. However, the complexity of such systems and the broad spectrum of alternative routes render a vague perspective on the sustainability of such applications. This study provides a critical review of previous research employing LCA to evaluate different pathways of macroalgae utilization. Ethanol, energy (biogas), and nutrition products were found to be among the most studied outputs in the past ten years from an LCA perspective. Different pathways leading to these products were mapped and analyzed, documenting their critical points and proposing measures to mitigate their environmental impact. A thorough SWOT analysis compiles for the first time the scattered information available in the literature, giving insights into the current state of macroalgae use and motives for further research. Insufficient or outdated inventory data for LCA, coupled with technical and technological struggles, were found to be the main barriers to large-scale applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in monitoring and managing marine ecosystems to address the impacts of climate change on Kenya's Blue Economy. It aims to assess the threats posed by climate change to these ecosystems and explore the potential of AI solutions to enhance adaptation and resilience. The research employs a comprehensive review of secondary data sources, including academic publications, reports from reputable institutions, and other relevant materials. The study analyzes existing literature on AI applications in marine ecosystem management and climate change mitigation, focusing on the specific context of Kenya's Blue Economy. The study reveals that climate change poses significant threats to Kenya's marine ecosystems, including coral bleaching, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and disruptions to ocean currents. AI technologies offer promising solutions for monitoring and managing these impacts, with applications in predictive modeling, resource optimization, and decision support. The research highlights the need for further exploration into specific AI applications tailored to Kenya's unique coastal challenges and the importance of incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for longterm impact assessments of AI technologies in the context of climate change mitigation. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AI applications in environmental management, particularly within the context of Kenya's Blue Economy. By identifying the potential of AI to enhance resilience and sustainability in marine ecosystems, the research offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners involved in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]