The European Union Blue Economy Observatory: Data and knowledge for a sustainable blue economy

Coastal areas and the sea hold significant opportunities for economic development and innovation. However, in contrast to land-based systems, economic activities linked to the sea and the ocean remain constrained by limited data availability, particularly for emerging and innovative sectors. This data gap affects the capacity to assess the economic impacts of such activities. 

The EU Blue Economy Observatory was launched to address this issue and build the needed knowledge for the EU to move towards a sustainable blue economy. The initiative is funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and is part of the Commission’s new approach for a sustainable blue economy introduced in 2021. This new approach aimed to align marine activities with the goals of the European Green Deal and to promote consistency among the large variety of blue economy sectors. 

The EU Blue Economy Observatory as a key tool for the European Ocean Pact

The EU Blue Economy Observatory has been running since 2022 and will be a key tool for the monitoring system and reporting framework established within the European Ocean Pact, the EU comprehensive strategy for policies and actions related to the ocean adopted in June 2025. 

Coordinated and supervised by the European Commission, the EU Blue Economy Observatory collects, harmonises, analyses and disseminates data and knowledge on the EU blue economy. It conducts market analyses, reports and studies, making this information public and fostering awareness in the field. It provides data-based evidence by sector, and intelligence to all players in the blue economy.

For this reason, it will contribute to the monitoring and achievement of the Ocean Pact’s objectives, above all “Boosting the competitiveness of the EU sustainable blue economy”, but not only. The gathered data will also support other priority areas such as protecting and restoring ocean health; supporting islands and coastal communities; research, knowledge, skills and innovation; maritime defence.

As the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, stated: “The Ocean Pact sets out an overarching framework for all ocean policies, enabling Europe to act together in achieving a more competitive Blue Economy, better maritime security whilst restoring the oceans and benefitting the people living in coastal communities. Data analysis is crucial for this endeavour. The EU Blue Economy Report and the EU Blue Economy Observatory support evidence-based policy making and can help monitor progress.”

A treasure trove of charts, maps and data

The EU Blue Economy Observatory provides freely accessible data on current trends in the blue economy sectors. The website is a treasure trove for policy makers, entrepreneurs, citizens and any blue economy actor. Charts, maps and data are available in different forms and products. Some examples are:    

• The EU Blue Economy Report, published on a yearly basis and presenting the economic performance, statistics and trends by blue economy sector;
• The dashboard, an interactive digital platform with customisable data on economic indicators;
• Country-specific information available in the Country Profiles page;
• Gender-related data on the role of women in the blue economy and their success stories;
• Updates on the progress of decarbonisation in the blue economy on the energy transition page.

Joining forces in the Community of Practice 

A Community of Practice, established by the Observatory, kicked-off in early December 2025. This community is set to connect national statistical offices in EU Member States, national blue economy observatories, policymakers, citizens, the industry, non-governmental organisations and researchers. It will provide advice, review methodologies, identify data gaps and priorities for thematic analysis and facilitate synergies across initiatives. 

The Community will work closely with and provide advice to the Steering Committee of the EU Blue Economy Observatory, a body made up of representatives of several services and agencies of the European Commission, defining priorities, objectives and expectations.

Data collection for a thriving EU blue economy 

The EU Blue Economy Observatory builds on the experience of existing EU information systems: the European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EUMOFA), the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), the Data Collection Framework Dissemination Tool, and the Knowledge for Policy Platform, among others. 

Reliable data are paramount for optimising blue economy sector’s operations, investments, policy making, and are decisive to achieve a thriving economy.

Interested in knowing more?

If you want to know more about the work of the EU Blue Economy Observatory check out the Euronews Ocean episode featuring this initiative, subscribe to the newsletter and dive into the interesting data available on the website.