Experts Call for Cooperation for Ocean Economy
Summary
Experts at a maritime forum in Sanya called for stronger international cooperation to secure sea lanes, support fisheries and protect marine ecosystems. The discussion highlighted the ocean economy’s huge global value, as well as risks from overfishing, pollution and damage to submarine cables.
Key Points
- The global ocean economy generated $3.5 trillion in gross value added in 2025 and supported 103 million jobs, according to an OECD report.
- Experts at the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya, China, urged closer cooperation on maritime security, fisheries and marine conservation.
- Jayanath Colombage said modern maritime security now includes cyberspace, undersea cables, satellites and outer space, not just ships and navies.
- Speakers warned that overfishing, pollution, coastal construction and plastic waste are threatening marine resources and coastal livelihoods.
