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How a healthy ocean could help the economy

*** Local Caption *** School of Azores chromis (Chromis limbata) and barred hogfish (Bodianus scrofa) on rocky seabed. Amanay, Fuerteventura, Spain. Canary Islands Oceana Ranger Expedition. October 2009. Banco de fulas blancas (Chromis limbata) y pejeperros (Bodianus scrofa) sobre fondo rocoso. Amanay, Fuerteventura, España. Expedición Oceana Ranger a las Islas Canarias. Octubre 2009.

 

A healthy ocean is not just good for the environment, it is also essential for a sustainable economy that creates opportunities for all, reduces poverty and tackles some of the biggest global challenges. Oceana believes that truly sustainable and profitable blue economies must be rooted in the protection and restoration of the ocean. But how does a healthy ocean help the economy?  

Ensures food security 

The ocean is a vital source of protein for many communities worldwide. Rebuilding and maintaining fish populations above healthy levels allows fish stocks to reproduce at their maximum sustainable yield. This not only ensures long-term availability of seafood but also reduces the reliance on imported fish. A healthy ocean strengthens local food supply chains and buffers against global market shocks. 

Supports jobs  

Sustainable fishing practices can boost employment, especially in coastal regions. Prioritising small-scale fishers who use low-impact gear can help preserve marine habitats while supporting jobs and communities that rely on the sea. To achieve this, Oceana is calling on EU governments to allocate fishing opportunities based on social, environmental, and economic criteria, not just on historical catch levels. This shift would favour those who contribute most to local economies and cause the least harm to marine ecosystems. 

Reduces poverty  

Coastal communities are often among the most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation. Better transparency and law enforcement is needed to prevent Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This is typically carried out by large industrial vessels exploiting the waters of other nations while depleting fish stocks that local communities depend on.  Ending IUU fishing as well as prioritising local small-scale fisheries versus foreign industrial fleets would support long-term income for millions. Therefore, reducing the risk of poverty and climate migration driven by lack of resources.  

Drives profitable fisheries  

Overfishing may offer short-term gains, but it leads to long-term losses. When fish stocks collapse, jobs and profits disappear with them. Healthy oceans are the foundation of profitable fisheries. Countries that have implemented science-based catch limits and protected vulnerable habitats have seen fish stocks recover, bringing greater economic returns in the long run. 

Supports environmentally friendly tourism and recreation 

We need clean waters and clean beaches to maintain the various recreational uses of the sea. If this is managed sustainably, it can be a powerful economic driver. This is essential for tourism industries such as diving, boating, and coastal recreation. Protecting marine ecosystems also protects the jobs and income tied to these industries. 

The cost of inaction: Why protecting the ocean now, pays off later 

Degraded marine ecosystems come with hidden and growing costs, from collapsing fisheries and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Avoiding short-term economic gains that harm the ocean today means securing a far more resilient and prosperous future. A healthy ocean is not just good for nature, it’s a sound economic strategy.  

Take action to protect the ocean today.