Blue economy

Investigating opportunities for marine activities that create economic value and contribute positively to ecological, cultural and social well-being in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Led by Nick Lewis (University of Auckland)

Developing the economy is generally still seen as separate to, and often at odds with, social and environmental goals, but they are intrinsically linked. Healthy marine ecosystems require a marine economy that is committed to ecologically sustainable practices – and long-term economic use of marine resources depends on healthy marine ecosystems.

Our research has identified opportunities to help New Zealand transition to a blue economy by encouraging activities that are sustainable, resilient to climate change, minimise waste, and have positive impacts on society and culture. Our current research is focused on helping to grow these activities and develop a blue economy made up of activities that:

• Arise from ecologically and socially responsible investment
• Use ecologically and culturally appropriate technologies to create economic values from marine activities
• Reduce ecological risks and restore harms
• Respond to, and encourage, ecologically and culturally responsible consumer behaviour
• Contribute directly to ecological, cultural and social well-being

We define a 'blue economy' as:

Marine activities that generate economic value and contribute positively to ecological, cultural and social well-being.