The Importance of Economic Statistics in Shaping Ocean Policy

As the volume of ocean economic activity increases, accurate and comprehensive data on the performance of ocean economy industries and their effects on the marine environment are evermore essential. Statistics such as the contribution of ocean economic activities to national output, GDP, and employment provide crucial information for managing marine space. They enable policymakers to make informed decisions on resource allocation, conservation strategy, and the energy transition.

The OECD has been working to improve ocean economy measurement for the best part of a decade by addressing gaps in knowledge and developing robust methodologies alongside its member countries and partner economies (OECD, 2016). The recently released OECD report on “The Ocean Economy in 2050” provides internationally comparable statistics on the evolution of ocean economic activities over the past 25 years and evidence-based recommendations for using this information to improve the environmental sustainability of the ocean economy going forwards. Combining the expertise of marine researchers with that of national statistical officers to develop national “ocean economy thematic accounts” is integral to assessing the economic importance of a healthy ocean for national economies (Jolliffe et al., 2021). Integrating economic statistics into science and innovation decision-making can further drive research that supports marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable use of marine resources (OECD, 2019).

This presentation will underscore the importance of ocean economic statistics as a key component of the knowledge systems required for informed decision-making and will highlight how OECD initiatives are contributing to building more resilient and sustainable ocean economy governance practices globally.

References:

OECD (2025), OECD Ocean Economy Monitor Website, Ocean Economy Monitor

Jolliffe J., et al. (2021), Blueprint for improved measurement of the international ocean economy: An exploration of satellite accounting for ocean economic activity", OECD Publishing, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/aff5375b-en

OECD (2019), Rethinking Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264311053-en.

OECD (2016), The Ocean Economy in 2030, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264251724-en.