Many developing countries rely heavily on ocean-based industries such as tourism and fisheries yet capture only a small share of the global value added of the ocean economy. The ocean offers untapped opportunities for developing countries to boost employment, reduce poverty, and enhance food security. At the same time, climate change, pollution, overfishing, and other unprecedented pressures from human activity are pushing the health of oceans to a tipping point. Left unaddressed, these threats could undermine not only the socioeconomic benefits of the ocean, but also the resource base on which all life ultimately depends.
The OECD provides evidence and data to inform effective ocean-related development co-operation. It also offers policy support and advice to developing countries across various areas of the sustainable ocean economy.