This sectoral brief explores how transitioning to a Nature-Positive Economy requires transforming marine industries from drivers of biodiversity loss to forces for ocean restoration. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Unsustainable Growth and Its Consequences

The rapid growth of blue economy activities has led to significant environmental harm, including habitat destruction, overfishing, and unsustainable coastal development.

The Case for a Nature-Positive Blue Economy

A transition to a nature-positive blue economy is essential, with strategies such as blue carbon farming, marine ecosystem restoration, regenerative aquaculture, and circular bio-based solutions becoming even more widespread.

Barriers to Systemic Change

Despite its potential, the sector’s transition is held back by weak governance, limited sustainable funding, and policy trade-offs that still permit harmful practices, such as high-impact blue economy expansion.

Policy Solutions to Align the Sector with Biodiversity Goals

To close this gap, biodiversity-positive incentives must be embedded in maritime policy, financing instruments, and industrial strategies. Leveraging the momentum from initiatives like the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and integrating the blue economy into the EU Taxonomy can help redirect investments toward regenerative, low-carbon marine solutions.