We studied initiatives to create economic value from sustainable marine activities that are based on healthy ecosystems. We used the findings to map and model a blue economy.
Project Leader
Duration
Budget
Nick Lewis (University of Auckland)
April 2016 – September 2019
$1,135,000
Overview
In recent years, advocates for sustainable oceans have focused attention on building a sustainable ‘blue economy’, where innovative practices that promote and sustain diverse industries are based on healthy marine ecosystems.
We studied Aotearoa New Zealand-based initiatives to create economic value from sustainable marine practices and activities. We considered five broad and overlapping marine sub-economies (iwi, techno-science, commodity, community, and small business), and investigated connections between them.
Our research focused on:
Defining what a blue economy means for Aotearoa New Zealand and working with economic enterprises and agencies to ensure that its opportunities are recognised and realised
Ensuring that blue economy considerations are incorporated into models of ecosystem-based management
Identifying sites and possibilities for transitions to a blue economy
Identifying and supporting regional development initiatives to foster regional blue economies and develop their potential
Highlighting specific enterprise-level production and investment practices that are helping to bring about a blue economy.
Results
We found several activities are helping Aotearoa New Zealand transition to a blue economy. These include:
Investor commitments to sustainable futures (Seafood New Zealand’s ‘Our Promise’ campaign), consumer-oriented and community education programmes;
the emergence of Māori enterprises with long term and kaitiakitanga approaches to blue economy;
blue economy champions (individuals and organisations) who support participatory resource management processes;
and a host of practices from precision seafood harvesting to harvesting of seaweed.
Conceptual system maps of ‘blue economy’ activities
MapReport
This report describes 3 system maps for marine economy activities in New Zealand – wild fisheries, farmed fisheries and ecotourism. Connolly J, Lewis, N (2019)
Lewis N, Le Heron R, Hikuroa D, Le Heron E, Davies K, FitzHerbert S, James G, Wynd D, McLellan G, Dowell A, Petersen I, Barrett J, Sharp E, Ribeiro B, Catley S, Baldoni M and Le Heron K. (2020).
Auahatanga from Authenticity: Maximising opportunities for Akaroa Salmon and Ōnuku Rūnanga
Report
This report is focused primarily on auahatanga (differentiation) – differentiating kaitiaki-generated products from commodities and diversifying Māori activity in the marine economy. Whitehead J, Rout M, Mika J, Reid J, Wiremu F, Gillies A, McLellan G, Ruha C & Tainui R (August 2023)
