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The $2.5 trillion ocean economy is at a crossroads. Capital must act now | Fortune

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 6:35 GMT by Fortune
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How to Save Oceans: A $2.5 Trillion Blueprint, the Prince Albert Foundation, and Monaco’s Role in a Global Ocean Recovery Plan

The oceans, covering 71 % of Earth’s surface, are home to 5 % of the planet’s species and a third of its biomass, yet they are under relentless assault from overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate‑driven warming. A new report released by the Prince Albert Foundation (PAF) proposes a comprehensive $2.5 trillion strategy to protect and restore ocean ecosystems while unlocking the economic potential that lies beneath the waves. The initiative, unveiled during a high‑profile summit in Monaco on October 13 2025, lays out a multi‑sector plan that spans finance, policy, technology, and public engagement.

1. The Economic Case for Ocean Health

The PAF’s study, “Saving the Ocean Economy: A $2.5 Trillion Blueprint,” quantifies the projected losses that unchecked degradation could impose on global GDP. By 2050, ocean‑related industries—fishing, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and coastal infrastructure—could see a cumulative loss of $9.2 trillion annually if current trends continue. The report argues that restoring marine habitats, expanding marine protected areas (MPAs), and integrating climate‑resilient fisheries management could generate $2.5 trillion in economic returns over the next decade, offsetting the costs of climate adaptation and disaster mitigation.

Key takeaways include:

• Fishing and aquaculture: Implementing ecosystem‑based management could increase fish stocks by up to 20 %, boosting global catches by 3.5 million tonnes and adding $500 billion in revenue.
• Tourism: Cleaner beaches and vibrant reefs could lift the global tourism industry by $200 billion, especially in developing coastal nations.
• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology: Marine biodiversity is a rich source of new drugs; investing in marine genetic research could unlock $250 billion in new markets.
• Coastal resilience: Restoring mangroves and coral reefs can reduce wave energy by up to 70 %, saving $1 trillion in damage costs over 30 years.

The report emphasizes that protecting oceans is not only a moral imperative but a sound investment strategy that can create jobs, stabilize food supplies, and enhance global economic resilience.

2. A Multi‑Layered Action Plan

The $2.5 trillion plan is structured around four pillars:

1. Governance and Policy
   The PAF calls for a global “Ocean Accord” modeled on the Paris Agreement. This would harmonize MPA designations, establish binding limits on fishing quotas, and create a shared database of marine species and habitats. The Accord would also incorporate “blue carbon” commitments, recognizing coastal wetlands as critical carbon sinks.

2. Financing Mechanisms
   Public‑private partnerships are key. The PAF proposes a marine sovereign wealth fund, with contributions from developed nations, shipping companies, and offshore energy firms. Green bonds and “ocean‑linked” loans would mobilize private capital. Additionally, the report recommends tax incentives for businesses that adopt sustainable sourcing and waste‑reduction practices.

3. Technology and Innovation
   Investment in autonomous monitoring systems—drones, satellite imagery, and AI‑driven fish‑stock analytics—can improve compliance and reduce illegal fishing. The plan also supports research into biodegradable plastics and circular waste models, aiming to reduce the 8 million tonnes of plastic entering the seas annually.

4. Community Engagement and Education
   Grassroots initiatives, such as school‑based beach clean‑ups and local stewardship programs, are pivotal. The PAF’s “Ocean Guardians” program will train volunteers in marine biology, policy advocacy, and sustainable tourism, creating a network of informed citizens who can pressure governments and businesses to act.

3. Monaco’s Leadership Role

The summit in Monaco, hosted by Prince Albert II, was pivotal in securing international commitment. Monaco, a global financial hub, pledged €250 million in seed funding for the first phase of the Accord. The city’s “Ocean Charter” aligns its own maritime policies with the PAF’s recommendations, including strict controls on shipping emissions and a public procurement policy favoring sustainable seafood.

Prince Albert II’s personal involvement underscores the moral leadership of the monarchy. He emphasized that the health of the oceans is “the ultimate heritage of humanity,” and that Monaco’s wealth can be a catalyst for global action. His remarks, echoed by leaders from the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank, set the tone for the collaborative effort.

4. Linking to the Full Report and Resources

Readers can access the full “Saving the Ocean Economy” report on the Prince Albert Foundation’s website: https://www.princealbertfoundation.org/reports/ocean-economy. The foundation also hosts a series of webinars on policy implementation, available at https://www.princealbertfoundation.org/events/webinars.

For those interested in the broader international context, the UN’s “Blue Economy” initiative offers complementary guidance: https://www.un.org/climatechange/blue-economy. The World Bank’s 2024 “Marine Sustainability” briefing, which highlights financing models and case studies, is available at https://www.worldbank.org/oceans/marine-sustainability.

5. The Path Forward

The $2.5 trillion blueprint is ambitious, but the PAF’s report demonstrates that the economic calculus is clear: protecting oceans delivers a return on investment that far outweighs the upfront costs. The next steps involve translating the high‑level framework into concrete national policies, establishing the Ocean Accord, and launching the financial mechanisms outlined.

Monaco’s commitment, combined with global support from finance centers and emerging economies, could create a new paradigm for ocean stewardship. If the world embraces this plan, the seas can regain their vibrancy, the economies that depend on them can thrive, and future generations will inherit a planet where oceans are healthy, productive, and respected.