Ocean resource use: building the coastal blue economy

Abstract

Humans have relied on coastal resources for centuries. However, current growth in population and increased accessibility of coastal resources through technology have resulted in overcrowded and often conflicted spaces. The recent global move towards development of national blue economy strategies further highlights the increased focus on coastal resources to address a broad range of blue growth industries. The need to manage sustainable development and future exploitation of both over-utilised and emergent coastal resources is both a political and environmental complexity. To address this complexity, we draw on the perspectives of a multi-disciplinary team, utilising two in depth exemplary case studies in New Zealand and within the Myanmar Delta Landscape, to showcase barriers, pathways and actions that facilitate a move from Business as Usual (BAU) to a future aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN International Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021–2030. We provide key recommendations to guide interest groups, and nations globally, towards sustainable utilisation, conservation and preservation of their marine environments in a fair and equitable way, and in collaboration with those who directly rely upon coastal ecosystems. We envision a sustainable future driven by conflict mitigation and resolution, where: Change is motivated and facilitated Coastal ecosystems are co-managed by multiple reliant groups Networks that maintain and enhance biodiversity are implemented Decision-making is equitable and based on ecosystem services Knowledge of the marine realm is strengthened—‘mapping the ocean of life’ The interests of diverse user groups are balanced with a fair distribution of benefits

Empowering her guardians to nurture our Ocean’s future

“…The style of yarning that occurred over the Future Seas Workshop Week (Nov 2019), was a combination of collaborative and research topic yarns as described in Bessarab and Ng'andu (2010). The sessions included topics related to each of the Future Seas 2030 Project 'key challenges' such as: Blue Economy (Bax et al 2021, both this issue), Pollution (Willis et al 2021 this issue), Governance (Haas et al 2021, this issue), Food Security (Farmery et al 2020 this issue), and climate-driven species distribution (Melbourne-Thomas et al 2020, this issue) and more. These sessions were facilitated by co-author Tero Mustonen.…”

Warming world, changing ocean: mitigation and adaptation to support resilient marine systems

“…Extensive deployment of wind, wave and tide energy projects is providing carbon–neutral energy for coastal communities in wealthier nations, but not in poorer countries. Where they have been deployed, these renewable energy projects have led to conflicts among marine users (Bax et al 2021 ; Alexander 2019 ). Multiple-use platforms that combine aquaculture, renewable energy, and other activities show promise for resolving some of these conflicts, but they are yet to be deployed at a large scale.…”

“…Coastal managers and property owners (local councils, states, individuals) are embracing a more adaptive, ecosystem-based approach to coastal management in some coastal cities and Island nations (Bax et al 2021 ; blueeconomyseychelles.org/; Ajuntament de Barcelona 2020 ) and these are seen as blue prints for the rest of the world. Ecosystem-based coastal management and town-planning strategies are aimed at accommodating the impacts of sea level rise and extreme events, rather than avoiding or defending against them (Dafforn et al 2018 ).…”

Deep aspirations: towards a sustainable offshore Blue Economy

“…Coastal waters: usually within 12 nm of shore (UN General Assembly 1982). This is an often crowded zone where national and sub-national legislation regulate different ocean uses, competition over space and resources is already high, and degradation is most evident (Jackson et al 2001;Pandolfi et al 2003;Halpern et al 2019;Bax et al 2020a). 2.…”