OECD: Ocean economy sustains more than 100 million jobs

According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the global ocean economy sustains over 100 million full-time equivalent jobs, with marine and coastal tourism and the Asia-Pacific region leading the way. However, the future of ocean work relies on adapting to automation and transitioning skills, as stated by the intergovernmental organization.

The ocean economy is a crucial yet often overlooked component of the global economy, supporting millions of jobs across various industries and regions, from fishing and tourism to offshore energy and maritime transport. New estimates from the OECD Ocean Economy Monitor provide insights into global employment trends within this sector.

Between 1995 and 2020, the ocean economy consistently maintained over 100 million full-time equivalent jobs worldwide, with a peak of 151 million in 2006. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global ocean economy employment dropped to 101 million but is now showing signs of recovery. Marine and coastal tourism stands out as the largest source of employment in the ocean economy, accounting for around 60% of full-time equivalent jobs between 1995 and 2020.

Offshore wind and marine renewables are emerging as fast-growing sectors in the ocean economy, although their global employment levels remain relatively low compared to other activities. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific countries dominate ocean employment, with Africa experiencing the fastest growth in the region.

The future of ocean economy employment will involve significant opportunities and challenges, driven by rapid technological advancements like autonomous vehicles and AI-powered logistics. As industries evolve, governments and businesses must invest in proactive planning, upskilling strategies, and support for vulnerable workers to ensure resilient and future-ready ocean economy workforces, according to OECD.