No Planet B

For centuries humans have sailed across the high seas, benefiting from its connectivity to distant shores and abundant supply of natural resources. Our success at harnessing the ocean’s bounty has allowed nations to grow and thrive, but now this very success is what jeopardizes our future. As populations grow, so too does our dependence on the limited resources we haul up from beneath the waves. How do we continue to benefit from the ocean while safeguarding its health and longevity? This is arguably the most significant question of our time. 

The problem is relatively straight forward: “We take too much good stuff out of the ocean. We put too much bad stuff into the ocean,” writes Mark Spalding, president of The Ocean Foundation in his opinion article that opens this issue’s critical topic: The Sustainable Blue Economy. 

Unfortunately, the solutions are anything but simple. 

Research is underway to not only find answers but to discover the gaps in our knowledge and capabilities that may obstruct our Blue Economy ambitions. A glimpse into some of this research, which includes answering questions around how we define the Blue Economy and how ocean observation, integrated risk assessments, and ocean literacy can support its development, has been provided by our partners at Frontiers in Marine Science. 

Conflicts between users within the ocean space, and between users and nature, continue to increase as we venture farther and deeper offshore. IOC-UNESCO and DG Mare share their vision for how marine spatial planning can offer a comprehensive approach to managing uses of the sea while helping us achieve our ecological, economic and social objectives. 

Tourism, however, should not be forgotten. Dr. Alex Brylske, president of Ocean Education International, examines trends within marine tourism and how these changes can contribute towards a sustainable future for both the ocean and struggling travel industry. 

As with all aspects of ocean science and exploration, innovation is critical. 

The World Water Crisis is getting worse, not better, writes co-founder and CEO of Resolute Marine Energy, Inc., Bill Staby. This Boston-based company is developing the world’s first wave-driven desalination technology that can produce clean, freshwater from the sea to support communities living in areas of scarcity. The European Marine Board report on how European research vessels can support a sustainable Blue Economy and what needs to be done to meet future scientific needs. And, Seiche Ltd has developed a new camera system that supports marine mammal monitoring and strengthens mitigation efforts during offshore development activities. Don’t forget the Product Spotlight and our ecoEssential product guide for the latest in Fish & Animal Tracking technology. 

Finally, we are pleased to announce the introduction of two new sections for 2020: The Ocean Decade and Scientific Diving. Check out these new features for important updates and essential news from our partners at IOC-UNESCO and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).  

We are barely off the starting block, but with help from initiatives such as the UN’s Ocean Decade, we can cross the finish line and win the ultimate prize: a sustainable and thriving Blue Economy for all. 

Read the Blue Economy issue here.