New Report Details Thriving Marine Sector, Emerging Blue Economy In Los Angeles

Los Angeles County’s marine sector produced a record-high $15.7 billion in GDP in 2021 and recovered jobs to almost pre-pandemic levels—employing over 105,000 people. While sustainable blue economy industries currently constitute only a small portion of the region’s marine sector, a new report emphasizes that LA’s blue economy continues to grow and is poised for expansion in the coming decades.

The report, which analyzed data from NOAA, argues that several unique advantages prime LA for a thriving blue economy. The greatest of those advantages, according to the report, is that the city is home to both the nation’s busiest port and AltaSea’s 35-acre campus dedicated to cultivating the blue economy.

Throughout the report, produced by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, AltaSea is highlighted as a catalyst for the region’s blue economy. AltaSea’s tenant organizations are also touted as leaders in ocean-based climate change solutions, including marine carbon dioxide removal, green hydrogen technology, and wave-powered renewable energy. 

In addition to providing a status update on the blue economy in LA, the report also analyzed trends in the region’s traditional marine sectors. Maritime shipping consistently remains LA County’s leader in ocean-based employment and revenue. The maritime industry is also a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for three percent of humanity’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Earlier this month, the International Maritime Organization’s 176 member countries voted to decarbonize the shipping industry—activating global policies that will accelerate the implementation of zero-emission fuels and technologies. This landmark decision effectively brings the shipping industry under the mandate of the blue economy—transforming the relationship between humans and the ocean from one that is exploitative to one that is collaborative, recognizing that healthy oceans are necessary for life on earth to persist.

As the shipping industry moves towards becoming emissions free by 2050, new job opportunities requiring technical skills and STEM knowledge will open up alongside existing roles. Workforce development programs are needed in order to meet the evolving needs of traditional ocean industries as well as prepare young people for careers in emerging blue economy industries.

In LA, California Community Colleges’ Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways initiative is the leading blue economy workforce development initiative. This education-to-career pathways program—a collaborative effort between Santa Monica College, AltaSea, and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation—plans to reach fifteen community colleges throughout LA County. 

The program combines climate STEM curriculum, post-secondary certificates and degrees, internships, and job placements. The program’s flagship certificate in Sustainable Aquaculture launched its first cohort at Santa Monica College in 2024, and soon-to-launch certificate programs include Green Hydrogen at LA Harbor College, Underwater Robotics at El Camino College, and Nature-Based Solutions at West LA College.

The coming decades are critical for fighting climate change. The ocean holds many solutions, and the blue economy is the key to unlocking them. AltaSea is dedicated to providing the education and career pathway programs that LA’s blue economy needs. There has never been a more important time to support ocean-friendly, climate change-fighting, well-paid jobs.