Blue economy promotes the sustainable use of oceans

Blue economy is an economic model that promotes the sustainable use of marine and ocean resources. This model, which aims to ensure economic and environmental sustainability, has become central to global development strategies.

The scope of the blue economy includes sectors such as fishing, maritime transport, and marine tourism. It also encompasses renewable energy, biotechnology, and marine mining. The annual economic value of the blue economy globally is estimated at approximately $2.5 trillion.

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Turkey has great potential in the blue economy with its long coastline. Particularly fishing, maritime transport, and tourism areas form the foundation of Turkey’s blue economy strategies.

As of 2023, the size of the maritime and fishing sector in Turkey is approximately $18 billion. However, to fully utilize this potential, we need strong policies. These include innovative technologies. We also need sustainable fishing practices and protection of marine resources.

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Technology plays a critical role in making the blue economy healthier and more sustainable. Technologies developed here help protect marine ecosystems. They also support the growth of the blue economy. This is achieved by promoting environmental and economic sustainability. Here are some striking examples:

– Offshore wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the blue economy. For example, Hornsea One in the North Sea has 174 turbines. It produces enough green energy to power more than 1 million homes. In Turkey, offshore wind energy areas have been designated off the coasts of Bandırma, Bozcaada, Gelibolu, and Karabiga.

– Floating solar energy platforms. Floating solar energy platforms are being developed on seas to increase solar energy production capacity in limited land areas. These platforms enable efficient use of sea surface while providing large-scale energy production. Turkey’s first floating solar power plant is the Kuzova Plant built on Keban in Elazığ. The electricity produced here will meet 25 percent of the annual energy needs required for pump irrigation.

– Marine pollution monitoring and cleaning technologies are crucial in areas such as collecting plastic waste and cleaning oil spills. There are many active initiatives and projects in Turkey working and providing benefits in this field.

– Digitalization in marine logistics boosts efficiency in the maritime sector. Artificial intelligence helps reduce environmental impacts. AI-based systems are utilized for optimizing ship routes, reducing fuel consumption, and controlling emissions. For instance, the Digital Port Management System is utilized at Mersin International Port. This port is one of Turkey’s largest ports. The system provides critical benefits in terms of efficiency. It also aids in cost management and environmental sustainability.

– Smart fishing technologies are used for monitoring fish stocks, preventing overfishing, and protecting marine ecosystems. The use of smart fishing technologies in Turkey is not yet fully widespread. However, there are some concrete projects. These include monitoring farms with underwater drones and using smart fishing nets.

– Carbon capture technologies in oceans. Oceans have the capacity to capture a large portion of carbon. New carbon capture technologies aim to store carbon by extracting it from the atmosphere through the seabed or marine plants. These technologies aim to enhance the function of marine ecosystems as carbon sinks.

– Marine biotechnology involves using biological materials obtained from marine resources. These materials are used to produce pharmaceuticals. They are also important in producing food and industrial products. Innovations in this field offer great potential, especially in medical research. For example, seaweed is used as an innovative source for biofuel production.

_^Conclusion

Blue economy is an inclusive approach. It aims not only for economic sustainability. It also seeks the protection and improvement of marine ecosystems. This can only be realized by managing ocean resources sustainably and supporting them with innovative technologies.

The success of this transformation requires international cooperation. Strong regulatory frameworks and social awareness are also crucial. Of course, the use of new technologies is essential. We now need to take more decisive steps in protecting the health of our seas and promoting sustainable development.

Blue economy stands before us not just as an opportunity, but also as a necessity in this direction.

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This article was written by the author for the newspaper ‘Nasıl Bir Ekonomi’