Scale mismatches

After recognizing the importance of marine and coastal resources and the use of marine space for economic growth, the European Union (EU) created and implemented a long-term Blue Economy (BE) strategy that supports the development of traditional and emerging marine and maritime sectors, aiming at the enhancement of Blue Growth (BG). However, despite the existence of a robust policy framework that supports the expansion of BE sectors at both an EU Sea Basin and state level, scholars have been sceptical as to whether the pursuit of BG adequately addresses the challenges that usually come with economic development, including those of climate change and marine biodiversity loss. Various frameworks for integrating sectoral goals with each other and with environmental goals that could facilitate the transition towards Sustainable Blue Growth (SBG) already exist and have been suggested and promoted by the European Commission, such as Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). They require the consideration of marine ecosystems and biodiversity and their protection as one of the BE sectors to be integrated via planning and management, which in turn requires the estimation of the value of ecosystem services and the spatial implications thereof. Nonetheless, there is little evidence or real-world examples on whether and how ecosystems, and within them coastal and marine biodiversity, are actually integrated (i.e., mainstreamed) when developing sectoral policies and planning and implementing economic activities at sea at various scales, i.e., local, national, and regional, and what the necessary steps and actions are that would facilitate such mainstreaming. By seeking evidence in EU and Atlantic Arc (AA) member states’ sectoral policies on marine tourism, ports and shipping, marine renewable energy, and fisheries and aquaculture (as promoted by the Atlantic Maritime Strategy and its corresponding action plans) and in the outcomes of the Interreg Atlantic Funded Research Project MOSES (aiming at valuating a Sustainable Blue Economy at the national and regional scale of the EU AA), the present article focused on understanding if and how marine biodiversity is taken into consideration by EU and AA BE and/or BG policies, strategies, and sectoral developments. Τhe selected sectoral policies demonstrate a good uptake of marine-ecosystem- and biodiversity-related challenges; however, at both the EU and the AA member-state level, it is unclear whether and how marine ecosystems and biodiversity are addressed as a separate BE sector. As such, we argue why and how Marine Biodiversity Mainstreaming (MBM) could address this gap, and hence it could contribute to planning, implementing, and managing maritime economic activities towards SBG at the Sea Basin level. This is demonstrated by illustrating the central role of MBM in enabling (and being further enabled by) the above integrative frameworks (i.e., MSP and EBM) and by presenting the key elements and actions required for such facilitation.

Purpose This paper identifies the current state and prospects for scientific cooperation in the field of the Blue Economy in the Black Sea Region. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications indexed in one of the largest international citation databases of peer-reviewed literature (Scopus) for the past 5 years. The following terms were selected: Blue Economy, Ocean Economy, Blue Growth, Ecosystem-Based Management and Marine Spatial Planning. For the detailed search query, we adopted the classification of the traditional and emerging sectors of the Ocean Economy, developed by the OECD, and integrated relevant keywords (equivalents) from the marine economy framework classification of the EU, US and China Blue Economy sectors. Findings The results show that non-regional actors (like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada) have been actively involved in the research agenda in the field of the Blue Economy, inter alia in the Black Sea Region, while the representation of the regional stakeholders (in particular, the BSEC Member States) is relatively low. The majority of the countries in the Black Sea Region are involved in the common scientific research agenda related to the Blue/Ocean Economy, including its traditional and emerging marine (ocean-based) sectors. Ecosystem-Based Management is underrepresented as a research area. The Black Sea Region significantly lacks academic-corporate collaboration in the field of the Blue Economy. Originality/value The current studies related to the development of the Blue Economy as a scientific area of research specifically in the Black Sea Region are underrepresented in the academic literature. The study allowed us to identify the countries from the Black Sea Region that are leading in terms of the research related to the Blue/Ocean Economy, as well as determine research trends for international cooperation related to the development of Blue/Ocean Economy in the Black Sea Region.KeywordsBlue EconomyBlack Sea RegionInternational cooperationResearch areasBibliometric analysisMarine Spatial PlanningEcosystem-Based ManagementJEL ClassificationQ56Q01A12C18D85Q25Q20C8

Between 2008 and 2014, the European Union introduced Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Blue Economy (BE) frameworks to net marine capabilities for its Blue Growth and Sustainable Seas aspirations. The UK has been a leader in the institutionalisation of these frameworks, but, after more than a decade of planning their geographical outcomes remain under-researched and few assessments of BE and MSP results have been made. Despite research into the dynamics of some marine clusters and relations between BE and regional development, assessments of both achievements and impacts as well as strengths and weaknesses of this planning are overdue. Researchers are only beginning to investigate uneven development from the emerging investments and rationalisation logics used let alone their environmental consequences. They do so as EU priorities shift from realising Blue Growth to building coastal resilience, managing sustainability transitions, and coping with threats of EU disintegration. This paper reviews the state of the literature and calls for BE and MSP to be researched as entangled governance projects and works in progress.

Human population and its demand for land, energy and natural resources is growing, creating pressure on marine ecosystems. The uses and users on seas are increasing. Very careful weighing of different user interests against one another and in particular against environmental concerns is required. It is of vital importance to achieve a sustainable development and to ensure that equilibrium is maintained. The role of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) aims to contribute through effective management of marine resources and sustainable use of them. MSP is taking into account the socio-economic and environmental aspects, ensuring the involvement of all stakeholders and their cooperation too, organizing the available accurate data, and sharing knowledge. There are many human activities in the territorial waters of the Cycladic island complex in Greece without appropriate allocation plan. Some of them are already developed in the study area, while other human activities are going to be deployed soon. In both cases, there is a need for each marine activity to be operated and implemented in a sustainable way by balancing its economic growth with the marine environmental conservation and protection. The involvement of the pillars of sustainability into the marine space aims to reduce the pressure from each marine activity on the marine space of the Cyclades. The pillars are considered as key components for the achievement of the Blue Growth Strategy and thus the Blue Economy Concept; but their development is still in early stages in the case study area. The sustainability analysis leaded to the conclusion that there are more opportunities and strengths, than threats and weaknesses towards a Blue Economy in the Cycladic island complex marine space.

This study investigates the relationship between the blue economy and sustainable development through a mapping study and systematic literature review (SLR) adhering to the PRISMA framework. An examination of 57 Scopus-indexed journal papers indicates a robust correlation between the blue economy and sustainability, highlighting significant developing topics such as innovation, the doughnut economy, environmental legislation, regenerative systems, digitization, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prominent themes encompass the blue economy, sustainability, ocean economy, innovation, small-scale fisheries, blue equity, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and fisheries. In contrast, underexamined yet promising subjects include economic growth, ocean sustainability, alternative livelihoods, deep-sea mining, aquaculture, tourism, and environmental law. The intersection of Blue Economy and Sustainable Development emphasizes Strategic Management and Marine and Coastal Tourism as the principal focus (21.05%), succeeded by Ocean Governance and Marine Spatial Planning, Sustainable Aquaculture, Marine Food Production and Blue Energy Innovation, and Climate Change, Risk and Conservation (17.54%). Fisher Support (12.28%) prioritizes fisher welfare, whilst Marine Cultural Heritage and Social Dimensions (10.53%) underscore social and cultural significance. This study delineates research trends, analyzes deficiencies, and provides policymakers, scholars, and practitioners insights to promote sustainable marine-based economic development. This study enhances the comprehension of the relationship between the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development by delineating research trends, pinpointing knowledge deficiencies, and emphasizing critical topic areas like strategic management, marine governance, sustainable aquaculture, and assistance for fishers. The results highlight the interdisciplinary aspect of this connection, especially in incorporating innovation, digitalization, and doughnut economy ideas into marine economic policies. The study's implications are relevant to academia, politicians, and practitioners, offering a basis for future research on emergent topics such as deep-sea mining, blue growth, and climate risk reduction. Enhancing marine spatial planning, fisher welfare, and socio-cultural aspects can promote inclusive and sustainable marine development, assuring ecological resilience and advancing economic fairness for coastal communities.

BackgroundThe Blue Economy is a recent field of study that encompasses economic activities that depend on the sea, often associated with other economic sectors, including tourism, maritime transport, energy and fishing. Blue growth supports the sustainable growth of the maritime and marine sectors as the oceans and seas are engines of the global economy and have great potential for growth and innovation. This article undertakes a bibliometric analysis in the terms of Blue Economy (BE), Maritime Economy (MAE), Ocean Economy (OE), Marine Economy (ME), and Blue Growth (BG) to analyze the scientific production of this field of study. Analysis of the authors’ definitions of BE, BG, ME and OE provides interesting relationships divided into sustainability and governance; economics and ecosystem protection; industrial development and localization; and the growth of the ocean economy, with development as the central axis that encompasses them. The main contribution is to find out if there is a link between the BE and the CE through the keyword study.ResultsThe results show a significant increase in articles and citations over the last decade. The articles address the importance of different sectors of BE and the interest of governments in promoting it for the development of their national economies. Using bibliometric mapping tools (VOSviewer), it is possible to find possible links between concepts such as CE and BE through the BG and to visualize trending topics for future research. Nascent and future research trends include terms such as small-scale fisheries, aquatic species, biofuel, growth of the coastal BE, internationalization and blue degrowth (BD), the latter approaches aspects of BG from a critical perspective.ConclusionsIn conclusion, it highlights the need for alliances between the sectors that compose BG with the incorporation of the CE in order to achieve a sustainable BE in both developed and developing countries. Through the keyword analysis it is shown that the BG strategy is the bridge between the BE and the CE. The CE presents itself as a promising alternative that could mitigate tensions between stakeholders who support both growth and degrowth positions.

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between investment behaviors and financial sector sustainability within the framework of the blue economy. It seeks to assess how different investment behaviors influence financial sector sustainability and contribute to economic resilience in India's coastal areas, particularly focusing on sustainable development. Design/Methodology/Approach This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data will be collected via surveys and financial performance analyses of blue economy organizations, while qualitative data will be obtained through interviews with key stakeholders, such as investors, policymakers, and industry experts. This dual approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of sustainable investment behaviors. Findings The findings are anticipated to shed light on the factors influencing sustainable investment decisions within the blue economy. It is expected that the results will offer insights into effective investment strategies that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, thus enhancing financial sector sustainability and contributing to overall economic resilience in coastal areas. Originality/Value This study contributes original insights into the intersection of investment behaviors, the blue economy, and financial sustainability, an area that has seen limited empirical research. By focusing on the context of India's coastal regions, the study offers a unique perspective on the role of sustainable investments in driving both economic growth and environmental conservation. Research Limitations/Implications The study may face limitations related to the availability of reliable data on blue economy organizations and the subjective nature of qualitative interviews. Nevertheless, it provides a valuable framework for future research on sustainable investment behaviors and their broader economic implications, particularly in emerging markets like India. Practical Implications The findings will offer practical recommendations for investors and policymakers to align investment practices with sustainability goals. The study aims to promote investment strategies that support economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and the sustainable development of financial sectors engaged in the blue economy. Social Implications By promoting sustainable investment practices, the study contributes to enhancing livelihoods and protecting marine ecosystems in coastal regions. It highlights the importance of balancing economic development with environmental conservation, ensuring that future generations can benefit from a sustainable blue economy. Keywords: Blue Economy, Investment Behaviours, Financial Sector Sustainability, Sustainable Investment, Economic Growth

One of the most promising economic arenas in the coming decades is the ocean and there are currently numerous initiatives to the ‘blue economy’ discourse that revolves around the argument that small-scale fishers’ livelihoods require greater attention. To synthesize current scientific knowledge and address prevailing research gaps surrounding this discourse, I conduct a scoping review of global literature on the blue economy, blue growth, social equity, and Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) analyse different international policy papers and national-level blue economy plans. To explore the need for further research, this review focuses on how different aspects of the blue economy risks lead to inequity in the pursuit of ocean sustainability. Based on the initial content analysis, I identify evidence for undermining social equity and justice related to the ocean and find that social equity is often overlooked in national-level blue economy and blue growth initiatives. This overlooking leads to or accelerates processes of coastal and ocean grabbing, displacement, dispossession, and exclusion which strongly impact the livelihoods of marginalized coastal communities, particularly, small-scale fishers in various parts of the world. The collected evidence suggests that there is a missing link between international policy deliberations and national-level implementation plans in the blue economy context. Numerous studies claim that critical re-thinking of policies is required to ensure the sustainability of blue economy trajectories. Unchecked economic growth in the ocean as in other realms can reinforce inequities and unjust and inequitable resource distribution patterns. To pre-empt, mitigate, and resolve likely conflicts, deeper insights are needed to address the impacts of the blue economy and blue growth on coastal livelihoods. I suggest investigating the causes of conflict and further research on how governance responds to sustain small-scale fisheries while embracing the blue economy and blue growth agendas.

Topicality. Today, the issue of protection and preservation of the marine coastal zone is one of the most important directions in the legislative and scientific sectors of the World, in particular the European Union. Coastal ecosystems are known to be among the most productive on Earth. They provide essential ecosystem services such as coastal protection from storms, fish feeding grounds and others. The convincing relevance and absolute scientific and practical significance of these issues is confirmed by the implementation of EU directives and other regulations in the legislation of Ukraine. The implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/ can serve as one example. On the basis of which the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of October 11, 2021 No. 1240-р approved the Marine Environmental Protection Strategy of Ukraine. In this strategy, special attention is paid to the conservation and restoration of the ecological state of coastal protective strips and the identification of the most dangerous pollutants. Also, further development and approval of a list of measures that should be included, in particular, in the plans for integrated management of the coastal territories of the Azov and Black Seas. Significantly emphasizes the relevance and the fact that, with the support of the European Commission, experts from various sectors of the Black Sea countries are developing conceptual documents. One such document is the Burgas Vision Paper. This document defines the shared vision of the experts and the tasks for approaching the "Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea".Aim and tasks. The aim of this paper is to analyze the factors of preserving the ecological state of the marine coastal zone as a component of the Marine Environmental Strategy of Ukraine and blue growth. The aim is decomposed into the following main tasks: to determine the general scientific provisions and concepts of the coastal strip and zone, their integrated management, to analyze the strategic aims and priority tasks of the state environmental protection policy in accordance with the concept of blue growth.Materials and Methods. The initial information for the research was the legislative acts in the field of ecology of the European Union and Ukraine, domestic and foreign scientific materials in the direction of blue growth, coastal strips of the seas of Ukraine and integrated coastal zone management. The work used the dialectical method of scientific knowledge, logical analysis of the initial information.Research results. The paper summarizes the identified main scientific provisions and concepts of the coastal protection strip and coastal zone and their integrated management. Based on the conceptual document (Burgas Vision Paper), the general directions of the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Program are described, which is aimed at achieving and maintaining a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable, and better-valued Black Sea by 2030. An analysis of the strategic goals and priority objectives of the Marine Environmental Strategy of Ukraine was carried out and their relationship to the coastal strip of the sea was highlighted.Conclusion. This paper analyzes the factors of preserving the ecological state of the marine coastal zone as a component of the Marine Environmental Strategy of Ukraine and blue growth. The creation by the European Union of legislative acts, international projects aimed at protecting the environment, monitoring the characteristics of natural resources, the development of the "Blue Economy" in European countries and, in particular, in the Black Sea region is a significant basis for improving the ecological condition of the coastal zone of the seas of Ukraine. With the support of the European Commission, experts from various sectors of the Black Sea countries are developing concept documents. These documents define the joint vision of the experts and the tasks for approaching the "Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea". Based on the analysis of the priority objectives of all the Strategic goals of the marine environmental policy of Ukraine, it can be stated that almost all of them are directly or indirectly related to the coastal strips of the seas of Ukraine. This means that the research of the coastal strip of the seas of Ukraine has a convincing relevance and indisputable scientific and practical significance of research, in particular, both at the national and regional levels. Described by the mechanisms for achieving the strategic goals of the Marine Environmental Strategy of Ukraine, the development, improvement, and assimilation of which will finally give grounds to regulate the principles of integrated coastal strip management at the legislative level. Also, which is no less important, it will significantly improve the awareness of the population regarding the rational use of coastal natural resources.

ABSTRACTThough still relatively new, the development of marine spatial planning has been based on the on the premise that as a rational planning process, it can be applied following universal principles and steps informed by land-based inspired theoretical underpinnings. However, within this process, differences between marine and terrestrial environments are being overlooked, potentially affecting the way in which the marine environment is understood and valued, and the development of a culture of practice for, and specific to, marine spatial planning. By framing planning as a cultural construct, this paper aims to explore the extent to which land-based rationales are affecting the development of a marine spatial planning culture of practice, with its own ethos and shared values. A culturalised planning model adapted from [Knieling, J. and Othengrafen, F. (2015). Planning culture—a concept to explain the evolution of planning policies and processes in Europe? European Planning Studies, 23(11), 2133–2147] is used as a framework. Whilst acknowledging the importance of the contributions from land-based planning and the ecological sciences, the findings suggest that those unconscious beliefs and perceptions affecting society’s understanding of the marine environment should contribute to informing shared values for marine spatial planning practice.

The European Union is leading the Blue Growth initiative as a strategic approach to increasing economic prosperity in Europe's seas despite today's challenges. Drawing on the EU's Green Growth initiative, Blue Growth extends sustainability principles to marine areas, solidifying commitments to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems and the promotion of technological innovations. This initiative focuses on sectors such as energy, aquaculture, tourism, and biotechnology in coastal and offshore environments. Blue Growth has increased in importance following major events such as Rio+20 and has had a significant impact on ocean and marine resource management practices. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to trace the trajectory of global research on blue growth across science, policy, and the blue economy over the 17 years since the term's inception in 2007. We analyze blue growth using bibliometric techniques. Examining the blue growth literature, identifying key contributors, collaborations, research trends, and gaps. Our analysis covers publication outputs, institutional affiliations, author collaborations, research themes, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Blue growth research is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), highlighting marine conservation and land-sea ecosystem connectivity. Keyword analysis underlines the interdisciplinary nature of blue growth research, highlighting key themes such as the blue economy, aquaculture, and sustainable development. Institutional analysis identifies the University of Exeter and CNR as key contributors, while country-level analysis highlights global collaboration networks. Citation analysis reveals the intellectual structure of blue growth research, with marine biology, oceanography, sustainability science, and climate change among the prominent themes. During the 17-year period from 2007 to 2024, there was a significant increase in publication output, especially from 2013 onwards. Key countries contributing to this research include the UK, US, Germany, Italy and Spain, reflecting extensive global collaboration. The research emphasizes a strong commitment to sustainability, with a heavy emphasis on Environmental Science and Ecology. Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasizes a focus on marine conservation (SDG 14) and land-sea ecosystem connectivity (SDG 15). Keyword analysis reveals critical themes such as “blue economy,” “aquaculture,” and “sustainable development,” with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. Institutionally, the University of Exeter and CNR stand out among the contributors.

This paper analyses newspaper coverage of ‘blue economy’ in the UK 2012–2020. It elaborates on Germond-Duret and Germond’s (2022) finding that UK media published a dominant development discourse concerning the UK’s marine space without reflecting on the risks of growth agendas. Articles from UK print media featuring ‘blue economy’ were compiled from LexisNexis then analysed to establish patterns of publishing, the investors, investments and projects reported, the experts cited and their statements on blue economy. Analysis reveals no sustained coverage, little that communicated with a national audience, little investigative reporting, and no predominance of London-based newspapers in news production. Reporting on blue economy was sporadic until a surge in 2020 that coincided with efforts to secure investments through local growth plans. Newspapers registered this buzz of activity, collecting statements from actors who used business ethics to express the legitimacy of their planning to build what they called a ‘blue economy’ even though this looked more like ‘blue growth’. A second group of actors including the Scottish Government announced plans to build a ‘sustainable blue economy’. These actors used the ethics of regional development, achieving net zero and protecting, enhancing or restoring ocean environments. Journalists reported critical views on these plans: inadequate attention to environmental protection, investment in activities seen as environmentally unsustainable or investments with limited regional development. Thus, analysis of statements on ‘blue economy’ reveals a discursive field featuring a confusion of contested ethical claims. This paper identifies the UK’s fragmented newspaper landscape and new architecture of public–private enterprise partnerships as important contexts shaping media engagement with blue economy.

Boschen-Rose, R.E.; Ferreira, M.A.; Johnson, D.E., and Gianni, M., 2020. Engaging with industry to spur Blue Growth. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 835 – 839. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Improving marine resource management and governance requires marrying science and socio-economics, which is key to the development of the Blue Economy. For sustainable growth of the Blue Economy (Blue Growth) to occur, there needs to be robust scientific information on the marine environment, detailed knowledge of activities occurring within ocean space, and comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts. To ensure Blue Growth is sustainable into the future, information is also needed on how the marine environment, activities and impacts may change with time, and at relevant spatial scales. ATLAS, a transAtlantic assessment and deep-water ecosystem-based EU H2020 Project, has undertaken pioneering research to understand the environmental status of the North Atlantic deep sea, and the interaction between Blue Growth scenarios and the marine environment. ATLAS research into North Atlantic Ocean circulation, species and habitat connectivity shows that the North Atlantic is changing, which will impact Blue Growth. As marine industries move progressively offshore, ATLAS work on defining elements of Good Environmental Status for deep-water ecosystems will improve the understanding of Blue Growth interactions with the deep-sea. Potential trade-offs to maintain ecosystem services at a sea-basin scale have also been explored through a selection of 12 ATLAS case studies. ATLAS interactions with industry have highlighted opportunities and challenges for Blue Economy sectors, particularly in the context of marine spatial planning. Through interviews, questionnaires and workshops, ATLAS has discussed key scientific findings and Blue Growth scenarios with 10 major Blue Economy sectors and many supporting sectors. This work illustrates the complexities of Blue Growth in the North Atlantic, including spatial needs, synergies and conflicts, and data sharing opportunities. ATLAS-industry dialogue also highlights differences in Blue Economy sectoral expectations, and levels of understanding relating to new policy instruments.

Blue economy developments entail an industrialization of the world’s ocean and coastal areas, placing growing pressures on the marine environment and ecosystems. Moreover, the competition for ocean space and resources increases the likelihood for social conflicts. Marine spatial planning has been presented as a tool that can avoid or mitigate conflicts. However, there is a need for a more thorough analysis of the conflicts linked to the blue economy. The objective of this paper is to analyze characteristics of blue economy conflicts and how they are shaped by the institutional context and sustainability discourses. This study also explores perspectives on conflict management and pathways toward sustainable transformations in marine planning. Empirically, we use two case studies of blue growth industries in Norway: (1) offshore wind energy development and (2) offshore aquaculture development. Through these cases, we take a close look at the established principles and procedures which regulate conflicts. Our study shows how current blue economy conflicts are framed and handled through institutionalized practices of conflict management. Our findings are twofold. First, blue economy conflicts are not easily categorized through common conflict typologies (i.e., user-user, user-environment) but increasingly appear to be sustainability conflicts in which all actors use sustainability as a frame of reference for discussing possible and desirable futures. Second, conflicts are not necessarily a negative social process. In fact, conflicts often uncover unsustainable practices and create potential positive pathways for sustainable transformations.

Island nations have benefited from their ocean resources for centuries, with marine uses and activities contributing significantly to their development and overall economies. These include a wide range of maritime sectors essential to both current and future economic development, including: capture fisheries; maritime transport and ports; coastal tourism; mineral exploitation; as well as the marine ecosystems and resources that support them. There a growing appreciation of the critical role the oceans play in sustainable economic growth and, as a corollary, the need to better manage and protect coastal and marine ecosystems and resources that are the fundamental basis for that growth. Drawing on international experience in the respective sectors, each volume in the Commonwealth Blue Economy Series provides recommendations that will assist governments to realise opportunities where they exist. It is hoped that the material presented in this volume will stimulate thinking about how small island developing states can benefit from the development of the blue economy by integrating different sectors into the ‘blue growth’ agenda.