6). The Blue Economy – Opportunities
Issues and problems bring with them challenges and opportunities and the Blue Economy
offers a suite of opportunities for sustainable, clean, equitable blue growth in both
traditional and emerging sectors.
a). Shipping and Port Facilities
80 percent of global trade by volume, and over 70 per cent by value, is carried by sea and
handled by ports worldwide. For developing countries, on a national basis, these
percentages are typically higher. World seaborne trade grew by 4% in 2011, to 8.7 billion
tonnes18 despite the global economic crisis and container traffic is projected to triple by
203019. Coastal countries and SIDS need to position themselves in terms of facilities and
capacities to cater for this growing trade and optimise their benefits. The IMO has brought
in new industry wide measures to increase efficiency, reduce green house gas emissions and
pollution. More needs to be done to address the issues of IAS from ballast water and hull
fouling but even with these challenges maritime trade is set fair for growth and economic
benefits whilst reducing impacts, offering expanding Blue employment opportunities for the
foreseeable future.
b). Fisheries
Globally 350 million jobs are linked to marine fisheries, with 90% of fishers living in
developing countries. The value of fish traded by developing countries is estimated at US$
25 billion making it their largest single trade item. Global catch rose from 4 million tonnes in
1900, through 16.7 million tonnes in 1950, 62 million tonnes in 1980 to 86.7 million tonnes
in 2000 but has stagnated subsequently20
. In 2009 marine capture production was 79 million
tonnes. Overall catch risks decline with 75% of stocks fully exploited or depleted21. Human
activity has directly and markedly reduced ocean productivity; additional deficits may be
due to climate change increasing ocean stratification and reducing nutrient mixing in the
open seas. Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and LME assessments show significant
warming trends from which model projections 2040-2060 forecast a steady decline in ocean
productivity22
.
The implementation of integrated, ecosystem-based approaches based on the best available
science in a precautionary context, plus the removal of fishery subsidies that drive
overexploitation offer the prospect of restoring key stocks and increasing catches. It is
estimated that 50 US$ billion per annum is lost to overfishing and could be progressively
recovered through stock restoration. The implementation of sound management measures
brings the promise of increased sustainable catches, lower energy utilisation and costs;
thereby securing livelihoods and enhancing food security.