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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Oceans".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2023) | Viewed by 27559

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marianna Cavallo

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Guest Editor

LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France
Interests: marine policy; sustainable use of marine resources; climate change; sustainable aquaculture; sustainable fisheries

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues:

After almost 10 years since its formulation (UN’s Rio+20 meeting), both academics and decision-makers agree that the blue economy is struggling to find balance between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. In fact, extensive literature and policy reports bring evidence about the negative effects of marine economic development on local populations and coastal environments, while its benefits still need to be demonstrated. The effects of those poor political decisions and management practices are now fueling social opposition to new projects across the globe.

If both decision-makers and businesses want to achieve their goals, they have to work on mechanisms to ensure that the multiple principles of sustainability of new projects (or policy decisions) are met.

The scope of this Special Issue is to gather recent examples of blue economies’ development but also experts’ views and literature analyses that integrate the issues of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

We welcome contributions from across marine regions, concerning all marine sectors and the three or more principles of sustainability (or sustainable development)—namely, social, environmental, and economic. Thus, themes include but are not limited to:

Sustainable marine aquaculture;
Sustainable ocean energies development;
Integrated local marine development;
Blue economies vs. traditional activities;
Blue economy vs. marine conservation;
Sustainable local economic initiatives.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Marianna Cavallo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

blue growth
blue economy
sustainability pillars
aquaculture
fisheries
renewable energies
tourism
seabed mining
biotechnologies
Nature-based management
trade-offs

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

22 pages, 4320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Fishing Closures Due to Toxic Algal Blooms: Application of the Vulnerability Framework to the Case of the Scallop Fishery in the Eastern English Channel

by Sarra Chenouf, José Antonio Pérez Agúndez and Pascal Raux

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612379 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1137

Abstract

Harmful and toxic algal blooms (HABs) are an increasing concern for marine social-ecological systems. These unpredictable events threaten human health and may affect the viability of economic activities such as shellfish fisheries due to harvesting bans. Monitoring and early warning systems are developed to support management decisions to mitigate and reduce impacts. Nevertheless, HAB alert systems currently only focus on the environmental dimensions to identify the risk of bloom occurrences. Other socioeconomic dimensions associated with HABs are generally not taken into account to support decision making. Integrating information on the economic risk of HABs and on adaptive strategies of impacted communities would provide essential insights for decision makers. This study presents an analysis of how the potential impacts of HAB-related restrictions on economic activities can be effectively assessed to support decision making. A vulnerability-based approach is developed and applied to the case study of the French scallop fishery in the eastern English Channel. The results showed clear differences in vulnerability patterns between the studied fishing fleets despite their similar exposure. This is associated with the heterogeneity in individual characteristics in terms of sensitivity level and adaptive strategies. This research highlights the important effect of social factors such as adaptation in the magnitude of HAB impacts and supports the relevance of the vulnerability approach in the assessment of socioeconomic impacts of such events. Combining environmental and socioeconomic factors through a composite index can bridge the existing gaps in addressing and mitigating HAB impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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20 pages, 2522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging Knowledge Gaps towards 2030: The Use of Foresight for the Strategic Management of a Sustainable Blue Economy

by Lisa A. Pace, Kristian Borch and Alan Deidun

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10026; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310026 - 25 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

There is need to better understand the trends and future challenges influencing the marine and coastal environments and identify the opportunities to develop innovative sustainability-oriented solutions to address these. Alongside mainstream decision support tools used in environmental management and conservation sciences, foresight techniques provide comprehensive and well-rounded information and knowledge about likely developments in the long-term future. This study uses a horizon scanning exercise to explore emerging signals and trends of future developments and innovation for the sustainable development of the blue economy looking towards 2030. It derives a series of global developments, challenges and opportunities relating to the blue economy from a review of high-level international reports and studies. Through a workshop conducted with 29 scientists and researchers based in maritime universities in six countries in Europe, the study identifies and prioritizes emerging signals and trends considered of high impact for a sustainability transition. The outputs include a synthesis of 11 global developments in the blue economy and 7 cross-cutting trends and trend projections. These may be valuable to marine scientists as a source of inspiration for a future research agenda or can be used as evidence for decision- and policymakers to deal with future uncertainties about the growth of the blue economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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20 pages, 36105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seascape Visual Characterization: Combining Viewing Geometry and Physical Features to Quantify the Perception of Seascape

by Julian Manning, Catriona Macleod and Vanessa Lucieer

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8009; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108009 - 14 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2133

Abstract

The visual impacts of marine-based economic activities on seascape quality and its inherent value for different user groups are considered to be a highly contentious issue and difficult to quantify. In recent years, with the growth of the blue economy, the need to better understand the visual perceptions of seascapes has become essential when seeking societal support for new development. This article presents a unique method for assessing and quantifying seascape perception by characterizing a person viewing the geometry of seascape views both from the land and the sea. The method first utilizes a geographic information system (GIS) model to deconstruct the viewing geometry of a seascape view into five geometric elements, including (1) area of viewshed, (2) length of the visible coastline, (3) horizontal extent of the view, (4) vertical extent of the view, and (5) distance to the view. These geometric elements in the second step were reconstructed through an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to determine the visual quality perception of participants. The results showed a significant improvement in the visual characterization of the seascape and its visual quality perception in comparison with conventional visual characterization methods. The findings indicate that the model promotes multiple perceptual perspectives by facilitating constructive discussions about social acceptance of the visual impact of a specific marine-based development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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24 pages, 1602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Environmental Regulation on Marine Economic Transformation under the Decentralized System: Evidence from Coastal Provinces in China

by Haoran Ge, Changbiao Zhong, Hanwen Zhang and Dameng Hu

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16622; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416622 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

The transformation of the marine economy is a central issue in China’s economic sustainability. On the conflicting goals between sustaining a strong marine economy and protecting the environment, this study explored the direct and spillover effects of two types of regional environmental regulation on the marine economic transformation of China’s coastal provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) under a decentralized system. By establishing a theoretical framework, using panel data of coastal provinces (cities) in China from 2010 to 2019, and using methods of spatial correlation test and spatial measurement model involved moderator, the results show: (1) The gaps in marine economic transformation were gradually narrowed among these regions, but a significantly negative spatial autocorrelation remained. (2) Incentive-type environmental regulation had a direct effect on marine economic transformation but had a negative effect on the adjacent areas, and the decentralization system could play a positive moderator effect. (3) The investment-type environmental regulation and local marine economic transformation showed a significant “U-shape” relationship, and such regulation had a positive effect on adjacent areas. Decentralization could aggravate the negative effect on the local level but had not yet significantly changed the spillover effect. (4) Presented suggestions for formulating policy, industrial transfer compensation, and regulation decentralization. Hopefully, the findings of this study can shed light on how to improve the efficiency of environmental regulation and realize the sustainable goals of the marine economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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20 pages, 2242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fisheries Co-Management in the “Age of the Commons”: Social Capital, Conflict, and Social Challenges in the Aegean Sea

by Loukia-Maria Fratsea and Apostolos G. Papadopoulos

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14578; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114578 - 6 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

Fishing activity in Greece remains important for the management of marine resources. Fishery co-management, involving various social groups and stakeholders, is considered necessary for marine ecological conservation. Environmental NGOs have acquired valuable expert and scientific knowledge on marine ecosystems which is essential for natural resource management. However, such knowledge is often in conflict with the interests of fishers, who often have tacit/lay knowledge which is rarely considered. The aim of this paper is twofold: first, to critically discuss the perceptions of different stakeholders regarding the protection of marine commons, and second, to unveil the potential conflicts in the management of the MPA on Gyaros Island. Gyaros is a cultural heritage monument, home to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals, and a traditional fishing area for adjacent island communities. Methodologically, the paper synthesises the empirical findings of a five-year (2013–2018) research project. Survey material collected over two separate periods (2014 and 2017) from the local population and professional and recreational fishers is combined with rich qualitative material from various stakeholders and participatory research to inform the research objectives. The successful management of MPAs requires that all users contribute to, agree to, and respect the terms of the MPA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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16 pages, 4322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Concerns for Sustainable Mariculture in Coastal Waters of South-Central Vietnam

by Le Hung Phu, Phan Thi Kim-Hong, Tran Van Chung, Tran Van Binh, Le Trong Dung, Pham Hong Ngoc, Nguyen Hong Thu, Nguyen Thi Toan Thu, Nguyen Thai Hai Anh, Anh Lam Nguyen and Phan Minh-Thu

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8126; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138126 - 3 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2397

Abstract

Mariculture provides an increasing seafood supply to a growing population. It also brings unintended consequences for the environment, resources, and sustainable development. In an attempt to evaluate the impacts of intensive mariculture of lobster in cages, the water quality and sediment quality in three South-Central regions of Vietnam, Xuan Dai Bay, Van Phong Bay, and Cam Ranh Bay, were monitored from April 2019 to May 2020. In each bay, two stations in the farming areas were compared to a non-farming reference station. The result showed no significant differences in the water quality parameters among the stations within each bay and between the bays. However, sediment quality noticeably differed between sites within each bay and between the bays. The accumulation of the observed parameters of sediment in farming areas was higher than in non-farming areas. In the Cam Ranh Bay, the concentration of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in the sediment in farming areas was approximately 1.4 times higher compared to non-farming areas. Similar results were found in Van Phong Bay and Xuan Dai Bay with different magnitudes. Additionally, the difference in the sulfide concentration in the sediment of Van Phong Bay was notable for its better environmental quality than the other two. The findings indicated that mariculture wastes would accumulate in the sediment, and decompose over time, causing sediment degradation, which may affect the benthic biota in coastal waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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Review

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17 pages, 1498 KiB

Open AccessReview

Who Is in and Who Is out in Ocean Economies Development?

by Marianna Cavallo, Alicia Bugeja Said and José A. Pérez Agúndez

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043253 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2495

Abstract

This review engages with the ongoing blue economy debate to decipher old and emerging forms of economic, institutional, physical and social exclusions of local communities and vulnerable societies that may result from the development of ocean projects and policies across the globe. The results of this scientific and policy review show that, whereas for some traditional maritime activities such as fisheries, the drivers of exclusion are well studied and somehow addressed in policies, for other emerging sectors, such as ocean energies or deep-sea mining, there is a lack of understanding on how to recognise and prevent the different forms of exclusion. Exclusion is likely to occur when decisions are taken at the highest level of governance to achieve national or international targets of economic growth, food safety, clean energy or leisure, with little consideration of the effects on local economic, social and environmental contexts. On the other hand, when the principles of inclusiveness are given due consideration, they prove to be beneficial for the societies’ well-being, increasing the chance of long-term social acceptability. We conclude that, to embrace inclusiveness, both governments and industries have to (a) go beyond the capitalist commodification of nature and recognise benefits other than the economic ones, namely, emotional, cultural and spiritual; (b) promote initiatives that fulfil local needs in the first place and are adapted to local contexts; (c) cooperate with local institutions and stakeholders to promote the co-management of resources and adaptive development. Likewise, research institutions, funding organisations and governmental agencies have to engage in new ways to assess the effects of ocean development that go beyond the quantitative approach and seek to integrate qualitative information, traditional knowledge and local perceptions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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Other

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14 pages, 3355 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Prey–Predator Mathematics Model for Fisheries Insurance Calculations in the Search of Optimal Strategies for Inland Fisheries Management: A Systematic Literature Review

by Choirul Basir, Asep Kuswandi Supriatna, Sukono and Jumadil Saputra

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612376 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1702

Abstract

Fish stocking in inland fisheries involves a prey–predator interaction model so that the number of fish stocked affects optimal and sustainable yields. It is very important to make mathematical modeling to optimize inland fisheries management which is part of the blue economy. Currently, studies that focus on predator–prey mathematical modeling in inland fisheries, especially those related to insurance are lacking. The bibliometric database was taken from Google Scholar, Dimensions, Science Direct, and Scopus in the 2012–2022 research years. After further processing, it is displayed on the PRISMA diagram and visualized on VOSviewer to display the update of this research topic. As blue economy sustainability, the management of fisheries sector needs to be reviewed deeply. In this study, the assumptions of the predator–prey mathematical model are made to obtain the equilibrium point, maximum sustainable yield (MSY), and catch per unit effort (CPUE) values. These results can be used to calculate fisheries insurance as a strategy for optimizing sustainable fishermen’s income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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8 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Blue Nitrogen: A Nature-Based Solution in the Blue Economy as a Tool to Manage Terrestrial Nutrient Neutrality

by Adam D. Hughes, George Charalambides, Sofia C. Franco, Georgina Robinson and Paul Tett

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10182; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610182 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

There is growing concern about the impact of rising nutrient loading on aquatic ecosystems and on human health, due to increased urbanisation and associated sewage effluents. This has led to a policy focus on land-use change or agricultural practice change as nutrient mitigation strategies, but these fail to consider the ultimate downstream receiving environments such as marine ecosystems. Within the UK there has been increasing recognition that housing density in certain sensitive locations is impacting the conservation status of marine features, through the increase in nutrient loading to the marine environment. In order to comply with the statutory obligations to protect these marine features, the competent authorities have required developers to mitigate the impact of these additional nutrients. Current approaches include converting agricultural land to woodland and wetland habitats that release less nitrogen than the agricultural land they replace. This difference is used to offset the nutrient loading from the new development, but such a terrestrial-focused catchment-based mass balance approach has a number of limitations. Current solutions for nutrient neutrality in the UK take a narrow land-focused approach that fails to acknowledge the potential contribution of the marine environments to mitigate nutrient enrichment. We propose that marine nature-based solutions offer an economically and ecologically viable alternative to terrestrial schemes, that can reduce the nitrogen loading to the marine environment, increase ecosystem service provision and increase biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

29 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Ecosystem Services: A Systematic Review of Provisioning and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Estuaries

by Sipesihle Booi, Syden Mishi and Oddgeir Andersen

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7252; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127252 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5976

Abstract

It is widely argued that humans deteriorate and vandalize ecosystems, yet little is known about the advantages they receive from the same. The study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach to identify studies on the value of ecosystems, with a focus on estuaries between the years 2000 to 2021. The review included a total of 61 studies, which highlighted: (a) the importance of estuarine ecosystem services; (b) the stress placed on estuaries as a result of human activity; and (c) the importance of ecosystem services to human well-being. These studies aid in our understanding of the provisioning and cultural services that ecosystems provide to humans, as well as how the ecosystem services assist individuals in diversifying their livelihoods. Our systematic review revealed that: (a) estuaries provide benefits to humans and are used for survival, (b) cultural ecosystem services are important and valuable; however, (c) as a result of human activities and climate change, ecosystem services face numerous threats such as pollution, overexploitation of resources, and poor water quality, among others. Future research should focus on how estuary users perceive the ecosystem services that estuaries provide, and there should be more publications and studies on the benefits that estuaries provide. The systematic review highlighted that most studies are outdated, there are few to no new studies on ecosystem services and estuaries, and those that are available do not directly address the importance of estuaries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Blue Economy and Marine Management)

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