The blue economy is defined as a sustainable ocean and coastal economy, which emerges when economic activity is in balance with the long-term capacity of ocean and coastal ecosystems to support this activity and remain resilient and healthy. Whereas the ocean economy refers to any and all economic activities related to the ocean, we should focus on the economic sectors that support our ocean and coastal resources, as opposed to economic activity that depletes them. This seminar will showcase several applied research and extension programs in coastal North Carolina that illustrate the opportunities and challenges of investing in the blue economy. Blue economy industries, such as shellfish mariculture, ecotourism, and coastal landscaping, show promise. Constraints on economic growth in the coastal region will be discussed as well, including sea level rise and failing septic systems.

Jane Harrison, North Carolina Sea Grant coastal economics specialist, applies economic analysis and other social science methods to meet the needs of coastal residents and stakeholders. Her work informs coastal decision makers about the intersections between sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources and economic development. She is a member of the extension team at North Carolina Sea Grant and affiliate faculty with the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department at NC State University. Harrison earned her doctorate in forest social science from Oregon State University. She holds a Master of Science degree in agricultural, environmental and development economics from The Ohio State University. Previously she worked in the Great Lakes region for the Wisconsin Sea Grant as a social science outreach specialist.

CCPO Innovation Research Park Building I 4111 Monarch Way, 3rd Floor Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA 23508 757-683-4940