THE BLUE AND MARITIME ECONOMIES IN CANADA
- Audrey Calligaro
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
With the world's longest coastline (243,000 kilometers) and three oceans (Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic), Canada is ideally positioned to become a world leader in the blue economy.
The maritime and blue economies are becoming essential sectors for Canada, highlighting the richness of its coasts and oceans. The maritime economy encompasses all economic activities related to the oceans, while the blue economy focuses on the protection and sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources.
In 2023, the total marine economy contributed CAD 50,805 million to Canada's GDP, supporting over 445,000 direct and indirect jobs. The blue economy has demonstrated significant advances in sectors such as Marine Renewable Energy (MRE), sustainable aquaculture and ocean technology.
COVE's Ocean Enterprise 2024 report highlights rapid growth and increased innovation in the marine sector, with a 33% increase in jobs and 58% growth in revenues since 2020.
Canada's Blue Economy Strategy
The Blue Economy Strategy, launched by the Federal Government, aims to sustainably exploit Canada's ocean and water resources while generating economic growth, strengthening innovation and protecting the environment. It is built around six strategic pillars:
1. Ocean protection:
Conservation target: Protect 25% of marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30% by 2030.
Flagship initiatives: Protect endangered marine species, such as southern resident whales and wild salmon.
2. Ocean sustainability:
$100 million program to restore marine habitats.
Progressive transition of aquaculture practices to sustainable systems in British Columbia, with the elimination of open-net farms by 2029.
3. Reducing marine pollution:
$100 million invested to eliminate plastic waste in the oceans.
National strategy to sustainably manage marine litter and support coastal clean-up.
4. Ocean science and innovation:
2.3 billion dollars dedicated to clean technologies.
Creation of the Ocean Supercluster, promoting innovation and collaboration between private companies, universities and public bodies.
5. Governance and reconciliation:
Support for aboriginal rights and community projects.
Creation of partnerships for the sustainable management of marine resources.
6. International commitment:
Collaboration with global initiatives, such as the United Nations Charter for Clean Oceans, and enhanced cooperation to promote sustainable maritime practices.
Key figures
In 2023, Canada's marine economy will have a gross domestic product (GDP) of $50.8 billion, divided between the private sector ($41.8 billion, or around 82.3%) and the public sector ($9.0 billion, or around 17.7%).
Observations :
The private sector dominates with 82.3% of the total contribution.
The public sector makes a significant contribution, particularly in the areas of national defense and fisheries resource management.
The maritime economy's share of Canada's overall GDP illustrates the strategic importance of this sector, while highlighting the growth potential for sectors such as marine renewable energies and green technologies.
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Regional Focus: Provincial contributions to the Blue Economy
1. British Columbia:
Focus: Marine renewable energy, aquaculture and fisheries.
Key projects:
Tidal energy projects: British Columbia is exploring the potential of tidal energy, particularly at sites such as Discovery Passage and Johnstone Passage.
Wave energy: Initiatives are underway to harness wave energy along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Open Ocean Robotics: $1.75 million investment to develop autonomous solar-powered vehicles for ocean monitoring
The province is a world leader in salmon aquaculture, with efforts to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impacts
Impact: Seafood exports boosted by proximity to Asian markets.
2. Nova Scotia:
Focus: Ocean technology and marine innovation.
Growth: 53% increase in ocean businesses between 2022 and 2024.
Key project: The offshore wind farm project near Guysborough, Nova Scotia, is part of the blue economy, harnessing marine resources to produce renewable energy.
Key hub: The Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), an engine for international collaboration.
3. Newfoundland and Labrador:
Focus: Offshore oil and gas, cold-water fishing and aquaculture.
Key contributions: 25% of Canadian ocean companies are based here.
The Ocean Supercluster project in Newfoundland and Labrador is part of the blue economy, exploiting marine resources to stimulate innovation and international collaboration.
4. Québec:
Focus: Shipbuilding, sustainable aquaculture and green shipping.
Key projects:
Innovations in green shipping on the St. Lawrence River.
Chantier Davie: A major player in the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
5. Ontario:
Focus: Freshwater research and initiatives in the Great Lakes.
Contributions : Development of inland shipping technologies and support for the regional blue economy.
Strategic Sectors: MRE, sustainable fishing and aquaculture, space technologies and shipbuilding
Aerospace Industry and Maritime Surveillance: The aerospace sector plays a key role in the surveillance and management of Canadian waters, providing critical tools to protect marine resources and respond to environmental emergencies.
The Role of Shipyards: Canada's shipyards are engines of economic development, innovation and national sovereignty. defense garde cotiere
Fishing and Aquaculture: Commercial fishing and aquaculture are important pillars, providing seafood products nationally and internationally.
Marine renewable energy (MRE): Includes offshore wind, tidal and wave energy.
Maritime transport: The transport of goods and passengers by sea is essential for trade and the connectivity of coastal regions.
Coastal and maritime tourism: Tourism linked to maritime activities, such as cruises, diving and water sports, makes a significant contribution to the economy.
Ocean technologies: Development of innovative technologies for the exploration, monitoring and management of marine resources, with initiatives such as the Ocean Supercluster.
Marine biotechnology: Using marine resources to develop pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products.
Opportunities and Challenges of the Blue Economy
Opportunities
Access to abundant natural resources: Canada has vast marine resources, offering opportunities for aquaculture, sustainable fishing and marine renewable energies
Renewable energies: Strong potential for wave, tidal and offshore wind power.
Sustainable aquaculture: Transition to closed, environmentally-friendly systems.
Ocean technology: Development of artificial intelligence and underwater robots.
Innovation and collaboration: Canada encourages innovation and international collaboration, with initiatives such as the Ocean Supercluster promoting the development of advanced marine technologies.
Arctic development: New shipping routes and natural resources.
Challenges
Labor shortage: Aging population and lack of technological training.
Regulatory complexity: Provincial differences hinder innovation.
Climate change: Impacts on coastal infrastructures and marine biodiversity.
Collaboration with aboriginal communities: Companies need to build trusting and collaborative relationships with aboriginal communities, which can take considerable time and effort.
To find out more...
The blue economy offers Canada a unique opportunity to combine economic growth, innovation and sustainability. Thanks to strategic investments, modernized infrastructure and strong partnerships, Canada is well positioned to become a world leader in this key sector. Local and international companies can take advantage of the vast opportunities offered by this maritime transformation.
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