New England and the Blue Economy

On Sunday, June 8th, Prince William delivered one of the opening addresses at the 2025 UN Oceans Conference focused on the “Blue Economy”, a long-term strategy that promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic, social, and environmental benefits. Its current economic value is estimated at $2.5 trillion annually and it is projected to double in size over the next decade. In his speech, which was streamed live, he used recent Earth Shot prize winners to illustrate how creativity and entrepreneurship are leading the way toward achieving the Blue Economy goals.

The ocean is fundamental to life on our planet. It is a major component of the earth’s biodiversity and the driving force behind our global climate and water systems.  The oceans supply us with 50% of the oxygen that we breathe, serve as a primary source of food for over 3.5 billion people, and account for roughly half of the organic carbon produced through photosynthesis globally. 

Prince William’s presentation stressed that the wise use of our oceans is essential to achieving a sustainable planet. An example of one company that is taking action to make our use of ocean resources more sustainable is growing algae to replace fish as a source of omega 3 oils as a beneficial vitamin supplement. One ton of their algae production saves over 620,000 fish and over a 6-month period, the company estimates that over 2.4 million fish are not being taken from the ocean. It was an example of a business that has both economic value and environmental benefits, as portions of the marine food chain are being conserved and CO2 is being removed from the air.

New England has a Blue Economy of its own. We always have had one. We have fishing and lobstering, ocean tourism like whale watch tours, and new innovations in the Gulf of Maine growing mussels and kelp on ropes, simultaneously providing food and cleaning the ocean as it does so. Learning how to better use and better conserve ocean resources can be a big boon economically for our region. The oceans cover 71% of the surface of planet Earth and sequester about 30% of our carbon dioxide and they regulate our temperature. They are crucial to life on earth. 

At this point in our own political history, the US government is looking backwards. In emphasizing a resurgence of fossil fuels, reopening coal mines, and eliminating environmental rules that protect the land and oceans, we are jeopardizing the sustainability of our planet. Just this past few weeks creating a new executive order dubbed, “The Next Gold Rush” proposed to open big areas for seafloor mining which essentially strip mines from ocean floors. That’s on the wrong side of history. 

A good example of working with the ocean for beneficial purposes may sound funny, but back in 2008 more than 1,000 retired NY Subway cars were shipped to coastal areas in Delaware, New Jersey, and Georgia and dropped on the ocean floor as part of an artificial reef program. Back then, artificial reefs were designed to boost recreational fishing, which by 2011 generated a  whopping $15 billion in state and federal taxes. Perhaps our own coastal area could pilot the use of a few old MBTA. Could some of those strategically placed offshore from the Salisbury Beach area be impacted by significant storms with high energy. This could be an economical way to improve our coastal resilience against beach erosion and grow our fishing and tourism sector.

ACES offers this challenge to the leaders of our coastal communities. Plan for the Blue Economy, one you already have even if we haven’t labeled it as such. Realize its potential in ways important to your own citizens. And encourage the things it can do to help us keep our oceans blue and preserve our watery planet for future generations.

ACES believes we can make a BIG difference together. Team members invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter via the “Join Our List” link on this page. Please consider joining our community of stewards who are committed to Make Every Day Earth Day by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com.

This educational column first appeared in The Daily News of Newburyport on June 13, 2025.