WHY THE OCEAN?

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Australians have a deep connection to the coast and the waters that surround it. Thousands of businesses, institutions, communities, and individuals are invested in using the ocean. 

In 2020-2021, Australia's 'blue economy' generates more than $118 billion each year and supports 462,000 jobs. This includes offshore energy including oil and gas, and the transition to renewables including wind and wave-generated power, fisheries and aquaculture, shipping, tourism and recreation. Beyond economics, the ocean is our climate regulator absorbing about 30% of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities and producing approximately half of the planet's oxygen. 

Australians work and play, explore and enjoy our ocean and our lives are interconnected with its ubiquitous influence - we are all ocean stakeholders. 

The threat of ocean-related climate change is urgent, with the ocean economy valued at $1.5 trillion annually. Australia with its abundant talent and marine resources is uniquely poised to lead. 

With expertise in marine science and renewable energy, Australia can pioneer solutions that integrate sustainable ocean management with climate action, setting an example for global leadership and collaboration . 

 In 2017 the United Nations declared 2021-2030 The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development with a vision to deliver 'the science we need for the ocean we want'.

The global community, including many Australians, worked together to develop the mission of the 'Ocean Decade' and the outcomes required for attaining 'the ocean we want' by 2030 - the Ocean Decade Framework.

Australia is a member of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, and under the auspices of the Panel, has a commitment to develop a Sustainable Ocean Plan by 2025. 

Ocean Decade Australia views these international frameworks as an opportunity for collaboration, partnership, learning, action and investment.