BLUE PROSPERITY
KEY DEFINITIONS
BLUE PROSPERITY
Blue Prosperity refers to sustainable ocean management that works in harmony with economic growth and innovation, fisheries management, and ocean protection so that people, nature, and the economy can thrive.
Blue Prosperity is about using the ocean in a way that is good for people, the economy and the environment. It aims to balance economic growth and ocean conservation, promote sustainable use of ocean resources, and improve the well-being of coastal communities, ocean-dependent industries, and the planet as a whole.
It emphasizes the interconnectedness between ocean health and human well-being and encourages the sustainable use of ocean resources through a variety of sectors such as sustainable fisheries, shipping, renewable energy and tourism.
BLUE ECONOMY
The Blue Economy represents the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.
It includes industries such as fishing, shipping, offshore energy, and tourism, along with ocean research and conservation, provided these activities are sustainable.
MARINE PROTECTED AREA
A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is an agreed-upon area in the ocean where human activities are limited to protect and restore ocean habitats and resources. The most effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are fully protected or “no-take” and prohibit extractive use (fishing, mining, etc.) to give marine life a chance to grow and reproduce.
Marine Protected Areas can benefit communities, environments and economies by:
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Restoring and protecting critical marine ecosystems
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Safeguarding underwater cultural heritage
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Protecting fish nursery habitats and spawning grounds
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Maintaining marine biodiversity
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Ensuring long-term sustainable use of natural resources
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Protecting unique geologic features
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Replenishing commercially important fish stocks
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Increasing revenue for tourism and ocean-related businesses
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Increasing job opportunities in ocean industries
MARINE SPATIAL PLAN
A Marine Spatial Plan is a map-based plan that designates ocean spaces for different uses and activities, what activities are allowed in each area of the ocean space, and what areas should be protected.
A Marine Spatial Plan will identify areas where certain developments should be promoted, areas where certain uses should be managed, separate conflicting uses, and identify special areas that need protection from extractive uses. Marine Spatial Plans can also be used to help uphold and support traditional marine resource management systems. Marine Spatial Plans can be changed and adapted over time.
MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process used to plan the use and development of coastal and marine areas. This is a public, stakeholder-driven and science-based process that involves mapping out different activities and uses in a specific marine area, such as shipping lanes, fishing grounds, and renewable energy sites, and then determining how they can best coexist and be managed sustainably.
The goal of Marine Spatial Planning is to balance the competing demands on marine resources to ensure that they are used in a way that is environmentally responsible, economically beneficial, and socially equitable. Marine Spatial Planning also helps to identify important marine habitats and species that need protection, and to plan for potential impacts of climate change on the marine environment.
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SUSTAINABLE OCEAN MANAGEMENT
Sustainable ocean management refers to the holistic and comprehensive approach of managing the ocean, including areas designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This concept emphasizes the importance of considering the entire ocean space within a region, ensuring that while MPAs are created and maintained, areas outside these protected zones are not adversely affected due to spatial restrictions.
Additionally, 100% sustainable ocean management aligns with the goal set forth by the Ocean Panel in 2020, which commits to the sustainable management of 100% of the ocean area under each participating nation's jurisdiction by 2025.
SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
Sustainable fisheries refers to the practice of managing fishing activities in a way that respects habitats, increases catch value, protects stock, and supports fishers as well as other ocean livelihoods.
It means leaving enough fish in the ocean, respecting habitats and ensuring people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods.
TYPES OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
There are different types of zones that outline the levels of use available to the public:
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Fully protected/No Take: No extractive or destructive activities (mining, fishing, development, etc.) are allowed. Non-extractive activities (swimming, diving, boating, etc) are permitted.
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Highly protected: Only light extractive activities are allowed with low total impact. Non-extractive activities (swimming, diving, boating, etc) are permitted.
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Minimally protected: Extensive extraction and other impacts are allowed, but still provides some conservation benefit in the area.
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Multi-use zones: Fishing, tourism, and other activities are permitted.
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Potential use: Suitable for opportunities like renewable energy, aquaculture, and habitat restoration.