The ocean is at the foundation of life in the planet and plays a vital role in safeguarding that some of our most basic needs are met. The Blue Economy comprises all activities that are linked to the water, the sea and the oceans. It relies not only on more traditional forms of utilisation (e.g. fishing and aquaculture), but also combines a broader vision of activities that can offer important sources of sustainable economic development for Member States and coastal communities in particular. The Blue Economy can contribute to a large extent to Europe’s green ambitions. A sustainable Blue Economy enables society to obtain value from the oceans and coastal regions, whilst respecting their long-term ability to regenerate and endure such activities through the implementation of sustainable practices. This implies that human activities must be managed in a way that guarantees the health of the oceans and safeguards long-term economic productivity, so that the potential they offer can be realised and sustained over time. The annual EU Blue Economy Report aims to continuously improve the measuring and monitoring of the socio-economic performance of the Blue Economy (for the 2009-2019 period in the current edition), while taking its environmental impacts into account. The EU is determined to deliver on European Green Deal, with the adoption of the ‘Fit for 55 package’, implementation of the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and with other initiatives being prepared, at the same time as it ensures a transition based on sustainable economic growth and employment. Besides, the insight of the Sustainable Blue Economy Communication, can help achieve this sustainable growth objective while protecting and restoring nature, fighting pollution, and tackling climate change.
