Handbook of the Blue Economy

This book provides a forward-looking and interdisciplinary reference on the blue economy for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and students working directly or indirectly with ocean-related sectors across different regions of the world. The volume offers an innovative and accessible approach, emphasizing the connections between the blue economy and fields such as international relations, governance, geopolitics, maritime law, management, innovation, and technology. Covering multiple regions and scales of analysis, the book explores a wide range of ocean-based industries and activities, including fisheries and aquaculture, offshore energy, seabed mining, ports and maritime transportation, tourism, defense and maritime security, shipbuilding and repair. It also highlights major international initiatives shaping the global ocean agenda, including the 2030 Agenda and SDG 14 (2016–2030), the UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030), and the UN Ocean Conferences held in 2017, 2022, and 2025. Combining academic rigor with a clear and engaging style, this book serves as both a valuable reference work and an essential guide for understanding the growing strategic importance of the ocean in the twenty-first century.