Sustainable Ocean Economy

The ocean is a shared global resource. Ocean-related industries in many countries have expanded with insufficient consideration for the environment, risking natural resources and essential marine ecosystem services that underpin economies and human well-being.

The OECD Sustainable Ocean Economy Database synthesises ocean-related datasets, covering 20+ indicators across 6 ocean themes:

• Natural capital of the ocean
• Environmental dimension of wellbeing and resilience in coastal communities
• Environmental and resource productivity of the ocean economy
• Economic opportunities from pursuing ocean sustainability
• Policy responses directed at ocean sustainability
• The socio-economic context

Results are featured in the Sustainable Ocean Economy chapter in the Environment at a Glance web-book: Environment at a Glance – Sustainable Ocean Economy Chapter

Data source(s): The database integrates data from multiple OECD directorates (Environment, Trade and Agriculture Directorate, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, the International Transport Forum, the International Energy Agency (IEA)), and other international organisations. For further details, consult the database documentation.

Dataset release date: May 2025

Contact: env.stat@oecd.org