Blue economy seen as key to US security
Washington, June 3
The United States must strengthen its fisheries, maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding capacity and workforce development to remain competitive in the rapidly expanding global blue economy, lawmakers and industry leaders told a Senate hearing.
At a Congressional hearing on "The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Industry, and Coastal Economies," Sen. Dan Sullivan said America's oceans, coasts and waterways are central to economic growth, food security and national defence.
"The blue economy encompasses the industries, activities and of course, the communities that rely on our oceans, coasts, Great Lakes to create economic opportunities, support jobs, strengthen national security and sustain coastal communities," Sullivan said. He noted that in 2022 the sector generated more than $470 billion in goods and services and supported 2.4 million jobs.
Sullivan said commercial fisheries, maritime transportation, ports, tourism and recreation were all critical pillars of the sector. He described seafood competitiveness as both "economic security and even national security" and warned that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continued to threaten global fish stocks and fair competition.
Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, the ranking member, highlighted the importance of coastal economies to states across the country. She said Delaware's coastal economy supports more than 100,000 jobs and generates over $22 billion in economic output. However, she criticised proposed cuts to federal maritime and coastal programmes, arguing they would undermine economic growth and sustainable development.
Witnesses repeatedly stressed that investment in workforce development would be essential for future growth.
Tommy Sheridan, director of the Alaska Blue Economy Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, warned that many coastal communities were losing young families because of economic stagnation and rising costs.
"When families leave coastal Alaska, we don't just lose a line on a census report. We lose a classroom. We lose a volunteer firefighter. We lose our future," Sheridan said. He urged Congress to invest in STEM education, fisheries science, workforce development and innovation.
Jeremy Woodrow, executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, said Alaska seafood reached more than 90 countries and played an important role in global food security. But he warned that American producers faced intense competition from foreign rivals, especially Russia, along with growing tariff and regulatory challenges.
"Alaska seafood tells a uniquely American story, one of stewardship, resilience, and leadership," Woodrow said, calling for continued federal support for science, infrastructure and market development.
Nathan Wardwell, a hydrographic surveying specialist, argued that mapping America's waters was fundamental to commerce, navigation and national security. He said 46 per cent of US coastal, ocean and Great Lakes waters remained unmapped to modern standards, while 62 per cent of Alaska's waters lacked modern mapping.
"The blue economy cannot function without hydrographic services," Wardwell said. "Hydrographic data is not a government overhead cost. It is the infrastructure the blue economy is built on."
Clay Hale of Crowley Maritime Corporation defended the century-old Jones Act, saying it remained essential to supporting American shipbuilding, maritime jobs and military readiness. He warned that prolonged waivers allowing foreign vessels to operate in domestic trade routes could discourage investment and weaken the US maritime industry.
The hearing reflected growing bipartisan concern over America's maritime competitiveness as policymakers seek to counter expanding Chinese and Russian influence in global shipping, fisheries and port infrastructure.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who works in maritime logistics, this hearing hits home. The Jones Act debate is crucial - we have similar cabotage laws in India. But the real issue is workforce. Our young people don't want to go to sea anymore. Need better pay and conditions, not just STEM education.
$470 billion is massive. India's blue economy is estimated at only 4% of GDP. We have the second largest fishing industry in the world after China, but our fishermen still use outdated boats. Time for a Sagarmala 2.0 with focus on sustainable fisheries and port modernization.
The point about illegal fishing is so relevant for India too. Our waters are being poached by Chinese trawlers in the Indian Ocean. Mapping our ocean floor should be a priority - we barely know our own Exclusive Economic Zone. Good to see US taking this seriously.
The fact that 46% of US coastal waters are unmapped is shocking. India's situation is probably worse. With China building military bases in the Indian Ocean, we need to know our underwater terrain. Hydrography is national security, not just navigation.
US is worried about Russia and China in seafood trade. India should be worried too - our seafood exports to US face high tariffs. But more importantly, our coastal communities are dying just like Alaska's. Young people moving to cities. Need investment in coastal infrastructure and livelihood generation.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.