Enabling conditions for an equitable and sustainable blue economy

Andrés M. Cisneros-Montemayor (), Marcia Moreno-Báez, Gabriel Reygondeau, William W. L. Cheung, Katherine M. Crosman, Pedro C. González-Espinosa, Vicky W. Y. Lam, Muhammed A. Oyinlola, Gerald G. Singh, Wilf Swartz, Chong-wei Zheng and Yoshitaka Ota
Additional contact information
Andrés M. Cisneros-Montemayor: University of British Columbia
Marcia Moreno-Báez: School of Marine and Environmental Programs, University of New England
Gabriel Reygondeau: University of British Columbia
William W. L. Cheung: University of British Columbia
Katherine M. Crosman: University of Washington
Pedro C. González-Espinosa: University of British Columbia
Vicky W. Y. Lam: University of British Columbia
Muhammed A. Oyinlola: University of British Columbia
Gerald G. Singh: Memorial University of Newfoundland
Wilf Swartz: Dalhousie University
Chong-wei Zheng: Dalian Naval Academy
Yoshitaka Ota: University of Washington

Nature, 2021, vol. 591, issue 7850, 396-401

Abstract: Abstract The future of the global ocean economy is currently envisioned as advancing towards a ‘blue economy’—socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable ocean industries1,2. However, tensions exist within sustainable development approaches, arising from differing perspectives framed around natural capital or social equity. Here we show that there are stark differences in outlook on the capacity for establishing a blue economy, and on its potential outcomes, when social conditions and governance capacity—not just resource availability—are considered, and we highlight limits to establishing multiple overlapping industries. This is reflected by an analysis using a fuzzy logic model to integrate indicators from multiple disciplines and to evaluate their current capacity to contribute to establishing equitable, sustainable and viable ocean sectors consistent with a blue economy approach. We find that the key differences in the capacity of regions to achieve a blue economy are not due to available natural resources, but include factors such as national stability, corruption and infrastructure, which can be improved through targeted investments and cross-scale cooperation. Knowledge gaps can be addressed by integrating historical natural and social science information on the drivers and outcomes of resource use and management, thus identifying equitable pathways to establishing or transforming ocean sectors1,3,4. Our results suggest that policymakers must engage researchers and stakeholders to promote evidence-based, collaborative planning that ensures that sectors are chosen carefully, that local benefits are prioritized, and that the blue economy delivers on its social, environmental and economic goals.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03327-3

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