Sustainable blue economies to protect coastal communities

The latest EU Blue Economy Report records an 11.6% increase in jobs compared to 2017 most notably in the offshore wind energy sector. Other new technologies (tidal and wave energy, hydrogen generation, floating wind farms and solar panels) are also emerging on the back of €420m investment (2019) in ocean energy research and development.

As the world leader in ocean energy technology, the EU is ‘on track’ to produce up to 35% of its electricity from renewable offshore sources by 2050, according to the European Commission.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, described the report, which profiles new sectors and technologies, as the ‘reference to understand past developments, trends and future opportunities’.

This third edition focuses on climate change; new sectors such as submarine cables; enablers (Maritime Spatial Planning) and analysis (Ecosystem Services and Multi-purpose platforms).

It aims to support policymakers and stakeholders in their quest to sustainably develop ocean and coastal resources in harmony with initiatives under the European Green Deal which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support investment in the latest research and innovation.

The report gives insights to assessing the potential of the oceans as strategies are developed at all levels of governance, to deliver more sustainable economies.

Emerging sectors
It focuses on all activities of the blue economy (marine-based or marine-related): traditional, emerging technologies (for which reliable data are still developing) and innovation (new opportunities for investment and development of coastal communities).

‘Our seas and oceans are such an important part of our life. We rely on them for food and tourism, for transport and renewable energy. They are a source of rich biodiversity and valuable eco-system services. At the same time, they also face a unique set of challenges,- from depleting fish stocks to increasing environmental pressures, Commissioner Sinkevičius added.

Healthy oceans and coastal areas ‘are vital for societies and the future of the plant,’ remarked Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

‘They are the lungs of our planet, producing half of the oxygen we breathe. They are a source of healthy food, contributing 16% of the animal protein we eat and provide the basis for numerous economic activities that generate growth and jobs.’

Research, innovation and education will contribute to the transition towards a European blue economy (Horizon Europe programme) and it specific mission for healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters, she added.

“This will contribute to deploy European solutions for the reduction of marine pollution including plastics, mitigation of climate change in the ocean, sustainable use and management of ocean resources, development of new materials including biodegradable plastic substitutes, new feed and food systems, coastal and maritime spatial planning and ocean governance.’

Gross value-added
According to most recent figures, the established sectors (marine living resources, marine non-living resources, marine renewable energy, port activities, shipbuilding/repair, maritime transport and coastal tourism) employed close to five million people and generated ~€760bn in turnover and €218bn in GVA in 2018.

Emerging and innovative sectors (marine renewable energy (ocean energy, floating solar energy and offshore hydrogen generation), blue bioeconomy and biotechnology, marine minerals, desalination, maritime defence and submarine cables) offer ‘significant potential’ especially renewable energies where the EU is ‘in the lead’ by hosting 70% of global ocean energy (wave and tidal) installed capacity in its waters.

The maritime defence sector accounts for over 177,000 jobs and the algae sector (blue bioeconomy) generated an estimated turnover in excess of €350m.
The report is based on data collected by the European Commission through Member States and the European Statistical System. Fisheries and aquaculture data were collected under the EU Data Collection Framework.

Investment
The European Fund for Strategic Investments has invested over €1.4bn in offshore wind projects and supports port development and clean shipping. The BlueInvest platform provided grants of €22m in 2019 to innovate starting blue economy entrepreneurs.