Deep Dives
Thought-provoking research providing extensive learning opportunities

The Value of Restored UK Seas

Teresa Fenn et al., WWF Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism

Our study attempts to value the economic benefits of an “ocean recovery” scenario based on ambitious action in these four areas between now and 2050, compared to what would happen if current trends continue. But these values are an underestimate: we haven’t attempted to model all the potential benefits, and of course it’s impossible to assign an economic value to the joys and delights our seas give us.

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What Role for Ocean-Based Renewable Energy and Deep-Seabed Minerals in a Sustainable Future?

Peter M. Haugan and Lisa A. Levin Energy Solutions

This paper examines how and to what degree energy from the ocean can contribute to the climate agenda and achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), including identifying new solutions and their potential impact, as well as addressing related safety and environmental concerns.

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What Role for Ocean-Based Renewable Energy and Deep-Seabed Minerals in a Sustainable Future?

Haugan, P.M., et al., Ocean Panel / WRI Energy Solutions

This paper examines how and to what degree energy from the ocean can contribute to the climate agenda and achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), including identifying new solutions and their potential impact, as well as addressing related safety and environmental concerns.

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PODCAST/WEBINAR: Seeing the Ocean as a Solution, Not a Victim

Nicholas Walton Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism

The ocean has great potential to become a solution, but only if there's the political will to build a strong ocean economy. 

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Waste and  Opportunity 2020: Searching for corporate leadership

Conrad MacKerron, KellyMcBee, & David Shugar Plastics & Pollution

This study measures the progress of 50 large companies in the beverage, quick-service restaurant, consumer packaged goods, and retail sectors on six core pillars where swift action is needed to reduce plastic pollution.

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Deep-sea mining: An environmental solution or impending catastrophe?

Elizabeth Claire Alberts Energy Solutions Plastics & Pollution

Deep-sea mining has not yet begun anywhere in the world, but many companies are already prospecting the seabed for nodules and other forms of minerals to assess their size, composition, distribution, and economic value.

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OECD Work In Support Of A Sustainable Ocean

OECD Energy Solutions

An analysis of the blue economy's potential between 2010 and 2030.

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Business for Ocean Sustainability

One Ocean Foundation BrightTalk Energy Solutions ESG Fisheries & Aquaculture GreenMoney Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism

The ocean matters and has widespread implications beyond the ocean itself.

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‘We Need to Protect the Ocean Before it’s Too Late’

Gitika Bhardwaj and Karen Sack

President and CEO of Ocean Unite, Karen Sack, speaks to Gitika Bhardwaj about why the first global treaty to protect the world’s ocean is urgently needed.

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Defining and Measuring the U.S. Ocean Economy

Bureau of Economic Analysis - U.S. Department of Commerce

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has developed prototype statistics to measure the ocean’s contribution to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

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The Business Case for Marine Protection and Conservation

Friends of Ocean Action Impact Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism

Friends of Ocean Action Impact Report: The Business Case for Marine Protection and Conservation

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The A-Z of the Energy Transition: Knowns and Unknowns

World Economic Forum Energy Solutions

In collaboration with the Global Future Council on Energy 2019-2020

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Finding Plastic Patches in Coastal Waters using Optical Satellite Data

Biermann, L., et al., Nature Plastics & Pollution

Satellites collecting optical data offer a unique perspective from which to observe the problem of plastic litter in the marine environment, but few studies have successfully demonstrated their use for this purpose.

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The Ocean Genome: Conservation and the Fair, Equitable and Sustainable Use of Marine Genetic Resources

Blasiak, R., R. Wynberg, K. Grorud-Colvert, S. Thambisetty, et al., World Resources Institute

This paper considers the existing and potential benefits associated with the ocean genome, the threats it is facing, and the crucial importance of conservation to maintain the ocean’s genetic diversity. The paper also explores how efforts to promote inclusive innovation and better governance can contribute to more equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of marine genetic resources.

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Increasing finance for a healthy ocean

The Friends of Ocean Action BrightTalk Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture GreenMoney Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism

The Ocean Finance Handbook, is a guide to support an increase in finance flowing towards the sustainable blue economy. The Handbook provides a key resource to enhance understanding of finance for a healthy ocean and generate conversations between financial institutions and marine-based businesses, conservation professionals and ocean project managers.

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Sailing on Solar: Could green ammonia decarbonise international shipping?

Nick Ash & Tim Scarbrough, Environmental Defense Fund Energy Solutions Shipping & Ports

Green ammonia is a technically feasible solution for decarbonising international shipping. 

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UN body adopts climate change strategy for shipping

International Maritime Organization Shipping & Ports

Nations meeting at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London have adopted an initial strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, setting out a vision to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping and phase them out, as soon as possible in this century. 

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Ecosystem services approach for community-based ecotourism: towards an equitable and sustainable blue economy

Anna (Anya) Phelan

This paper examines the role of community-based ecotourism within the developing market dynamics of the blue economy. 

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A Path to Creating the First Generation of High Seas Protected Areas

Pew Research Center Tourism

Science-based method highlights 10 sites that would help safeguard biodiversity beyond national waters

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Integrating oceans into climate policy: Any green new deal needs a splash of blue

Dundas, S.J., et al., Conservation Letters/ Wiley Periodicals

Recent warnings from scientists suggest there is limited time to enact policies to avert wide-ranging ecological and social damage from climate change. In the United States, discussions about comprehensive national policies to avert climate change have begun, with “Green New Deal” proposals and climate plans put forth by members of Congress and presidential candidates. Oceans are largely absent or separate from these nascent policy proposals.

Read more → (15 minute read)