The ocean plays a huge role in our daily lives via transport systems and tourism, shipbuilding and maritime systems, regulating climate and weather, influencing agricultural output and providing food, water and energy. Tens of millions of people around the world are directly employed in an ocean-related industry, and every person on earth benefits from a healthy ocean economy.
According to the Ocean Economy in 2030 report published by the Organization of Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD), the Ocean Economy included $1.5 trillion of economic output in 2015 (2.5% of global output) and is anticipated to reach $3.0 trillion by 2030, outpacing global economic growth. The OECD defines the Ocean Economy as the “sum of economic activities of ocean-based industries, together with the assets, goods and services provided by marine ecosystems.”
From food, energy, medicine and water – all critical for the economy – the ocean is a vast resource. With the right models and sustainability measures in place, it can continue to be a tremendous economic opportunity for all of those involved.
