Marine economy: A proposal for its definition in the European Union

Abstract

In recent years, and within the context of the EU, policies relating to the sea and oceans are being looked at from a more inclusive perspective. Although the growing socio-economic importance of the sea is increasingly evident in Europe, serious difficulties still exist when it tries to quantify marine economics, making it more difficult to adopt the strategic decisions of the governments and agents involved. These difficulties are linked both to the diversity of definitions and statistical representations of marine sectors as well as to the scant availability and quality of the data. This paper set out a specific proposal for the definition and characterisation of marine sectors and economic activities within the EU. This definition proposal is compatible with the standard statistical classifications of economic activities and European regions. In the majority of cases, it enables to compare the quantifications that can be carried out, both over time as well as between the different activity sectors, countries and regions. Furthermore, it is a concrete, practical proposal, not particularly costly to the public statistics institutes and can be applied relatively easily. ► Heterogeneous definitions of marine economy do not allow comparability. ► It is necessary to quantify the marine economy for decision makers. ► Concrete and practical proposal to quantify the marine economy in the EU. ► Definition of 9 sectors, 34 industries and 3 groups of marine activities.