Integrated ocean management for a sustainable ocean economy

The world’s oceans are under growing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, and expanding industries like fishing, energy, and transport. To secure both a healthy ocean and a thriving blue economy, this paper advocates for Integrated Ocean Management (IOM) — a holistic, ecosystem-based, and knowledge-driven approach to ocean governance.

IOM seeks to balance human use and ocean health by coordinating across sectors, regions, and communities. It emphasizes collaboration between governments, businesses, scientists, and local stakeholders, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.

Six Key Actions for a Sustainable Ocean Economy:

1. Harness science and knowledge to fill data gaps and guide decisions.
2. Build partnerships between public and private sectors for shared responsibility.
3. Engage stakeholders and local communities in planning and stewardship.
4. Strengthen capacity building through education, technology, and governance.
5. Implement strong regulatory frameworks aligned with global commitments.
6. Adopt adaptive management to respond to climate change and evolving ocean conditions.

By integrating environmental protection with economic opportunity, IOM offers a blueprint for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Life Below Water (SDG 14), and ensuring a resilient ocean for future generations.

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One shared ocean – how do we manage?

publikasjon - 2. desember 2020

Over recent years, the global society has realised the ocean’s significance in ensuring our prosperity and health. We turn to the ocean for food, energy, transportation, and recreation, and will increasingly do so in the future.

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