Navigating the Dark Side of the Blue Economy: Integrating Blue Crime Governance into Sustainable Ocean Development
Keywords:
Blue economy, Blue crime, Ocean G, Sustainable Development, Maritime SecurityAbstract
The Blue Economy promises sustainable ocean-based growth, but is increasingly threatened by rising illicit maritime activities, known as Blue Crimes, including piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and environmental offences. These crimes erode economic stability, damage ecosystems, and weaken governance, yet their relationship to Blue Economy development remains insufficiently theorised. This paper develops an integrated framework that positions Blue Crime governance as essential to sustainable ocean development. Using a conceptual and integrative review of interdisciplinary scholarship and reports from global institutions, the study shows that Blue Crimes undermine the Blue Economy through interconnected economic, ecological and institutional pathways, especially in regions with fragile governance. The paper introduces the “Whole-of-Ocean Governance” model, emphasising coordinated approaches that link security, environmental management and social inclusion. By embedding crime prevention and justice within the sustainability discourse, the study offers a novel contribution that strengthens efforts toward achieving SDGs 14 and 16.
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