Calls for an Ocean Policy from WA’s leading alliance
An alliance of eighteen leading Western Australian institutions is calling for a state ocean policy to protect the natural and economic value of our ocean and coast. The call is one of six priorities outlined in the 2024 State of the Blue Economy report.
The report shows Western Australia has more than 30% of Australia’s coastline and marine area, contributes 46% of Australia’s marine industry output, worth $54.7 billion1, and the blue economy contributes 13% of WA’s GSP. It also highlights the how past and present human activities are driving negative changes in the health and resilience of the ocean2.
The alliance called the ‘Blue Assembly’ is focused on the ocean as a source of opportunities and solutions for the environment and economies. Blue Assembly includes the peak bodies representing science, community, government, conservation, and industries including subsea, superyachts, ocean energy.
Representatives from across those sectors met at the fourth annual ‘State of the Blue Economy’ forum and developed a vision of:
WA demonstrating leadership nationally and internationally in the Indian Ocean through its collaborative approach to stewardship of ocean health and development of sustainable ocean economies.
The top recommendation for action towards that vision is a WA, state-level ocean policy, strategy, portfolio, and plan. Such a policy would integrate the wisdom, experience, and leadership of all stakeholders, especially Traditional Owners. This policy would be a first in Australia and resolve challenges with multiple, contradictory and incomplete sets of regulations, policies, agency priorities and conservation measures.
Click here to read the full State of the Blue Economy Report ←