Blue Economy

The ocean is often referred to as the heart of the planet — from generating over half the air we breathe to absorbing excess carbon in the atmosphere, serving as home to millions of species, and providing important resources to coastal and inland communities. But, when precious ocean resources and the surrounding environment are not sustainably managed or decisions are made without intentional input from coastal communities, frontline communities, and Indigenous Communities, negative impacts like ocean acidification, decreased marine biodiversity, coastal erosion, environmental injustices, and sea-level rise can emerge. This briefing book is intended to provide an overview of some of these major ocean topics that state legislators across the country are contending with, using existing policies to illustrate how introducing legislation to remedy one ocean issue can have significant co-benefits across coastal ecosystems.

As coastal states face increasing pressure from climate change, rapid coastal development, gentrification on waterfronts, and shifting global markets, the Blue Economy presents a timely opportunity to drive sustainable economic development while preserving critical marine and coastal ecosystems. This Briefing Book provides an overview of the Blue Economy, policy options for state lawmakers, and strategies being used in three key regions to boost collaboration and outcomes: New England, the Gulf Coast, and the West Coast. The Briefing Book also offers considerations for how state policymakers can not only support this growing sector and our working waterfronts, but also how states can collaborate through regional partnerships, multilevel governance, and innovative financing.

Amid complex policy landscapes and federal funding gaps, states, Tribes, and localities face challenges in advancing coastal and marine priorities. This sense of uncertainty — compounded by increased pressures from climate change, rapid coastal development, gentrification, and shifting global markets — introduces many challenges for states. Investing in the Blue Economy at the state level provides the opportunity for states to drive sustainable economic development while preserving critical marine and coastal ecosystems.

The blue economy is defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. Not all ocean-based activities fall under the definition of blue economy, but only those that protect coastal resources. At the state level, legislators can enact policies that incentivize innovation, conservation, and community engagement to drive a sustainable economy while promoting ocean health.