The development and implementation of ocean accounting are gaining momentum globally due to the growing recognition that ocean accounts are essential to the sustainable management and development of the marine environment and blue economy. This recognition is now reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, various UN ESCAP and UN Statistical Commission resolutions, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy's Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, and most recently, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Earlier this month at the Our Ocean Conference in Panama, the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP) co-hosted an official side event, 'Ocean Accounts: Setting the Foundation for Sustainable Blue Economies', with the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), and the Governments of Canada, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. Countries shared their latest plans for developing ocean accounts, identified examples of best practices, and explained how ocean accounts can support the delivery of national and international commitments, as well as key issues within the blue economy.

Dr. Richard W. Spinrad, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere & the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator, said: “The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will join the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership to formalise and strengthen the role that ocean accounts play in national ocean policy development and implementation and advance greater collaboration with our neighbours, Canada and Mexico, and other members globally to support the transition to a sustainable ocean economy.” NOAA also announced its intention to join GOAP, becoming the 28th member.

Victor Gustaaf Manoppo, Director General of Marine Spatial Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) of the Republic of Indonesia said: “Indonesia’s ocean accounts provide the underpinning information structure for marine policy in Indonesia. Ocean accounts enable transparent and effective measurement and monitoring of progress, supporting both national and international commitments. This year, we launched three new ocean accounting pilots to further explore their functionality in fisheries management, marine spatial planning and the management of marine protected areas. We look forward to the benefits these accounts bring to our marine environment and blue economy.”

The 2023 edition of the Our Ocean Conference aimed to highlight the importance of knowledge as the basis of our actions and policies to ensure the protection of our ocean, responsible management of marine resources, and sustainable future economic growth. Ocean accounts provide the knowledge countries need to understand the state of their ocean economies and support effective decision-making and investment.

Event speakers

  • Victor Gustaaf Manoppo, Director General of Marine Spatial Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) of the Republic of Indonesia
  • Dr. Rick Spinrad, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of NOAA, United States
  • Ilana Seid, Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations and Sherpa to the President of Palau to the Ocean Panel, Palau (Ocean Panel Co-Chair)
  • Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Canada (GOAP Co-Chair)
  • Per W. Schive, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Norway (Ocean Panel Co-Chair)
  • Firdaus Agung, Director for Marine Conservation and Biodiversity, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) of the Republic of Indonesia
  • Ilona Drewry, Head of International Sustainable Blue Finance, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), United Kingdom
  • Taholo Kami, CEO and Principle Partner, Kami Pacifiki