Enabling conditions for an equitable and sustainable blue economy

The future of the global ocean economy is currently envisioned as an
advancement towards a ‘Blue Economy’—socially equitable, environmentally
sustainable, and economically viable ocean industries. However, there are
current tensions between development discourses from perspectives of
natural capital versus social equity and environmental justice. Here we
show there are stark differences in Blue Economy outlooks when social
conditions and governance capacity beyond resource availability are
considered, and highlight limits to establishing multiple overlapping
industries. The key differences in regional capacities to achieve a Blue
Economy are not due to available natural resources, but include factors
such as national stability, corruption, and infrastructure, that 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 sectors. Policy-makers must engage researchers and
stakeholders to promote evidence-based, collaborative planning that
ensures that sectors are chosen carefully, local benefits are prioritized,
and the Blue Economy delivers on its social, environmental, and economic
goals.