New Report Emphasizes L.A.’s Thriving Marine Sector, Emerging Blue Economy

A new report found that L.A. County’s marine sector produced a record-high $15 billion in GDP in 2021 and recovered jobs to almost pre-pandemic levels. While sustainable blue economy industries comprise only a small portion of the county’s marine sector, the report emphasized that these industries are thriving and poised for significant growth over the coming decades. 

The report, the latest publication from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), repeatedly mentions AltaSea as a leader in growing the blue economy—the term for sustainably using ocean resources in order to restore ocean health, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. 

AltaSea serves as a blue economy hub, bringing climate-friendly, ocean-based researchers and businesses to the Port of Los Angeles. The new LAEDC report highlights tenants at the AltaSea campus that are working on ocean-based climate change solutions—including marine carbon dioxide removal research, green hydrogen technology, and wave-powered renewable energy—as well as the regenerative aquaculture tenants producing sustainable seafood.

The report also tracked the progress of the California Community Colleges’ Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) initiative, which prepares students for careers in the blue economy’s fastest growing industries. This workforce training program—a collaborative effort between Santa Monica City College, AltaSea, and LAEDC—plans to reach fifteen community colleges throughout Los Angeles County.

BECAP’s flagship certificate in Sustainable Aquaculture launched its first cohort at Santa  Monica College in 2024, and certificates are being developed for Green Hydrogen at LA Harbor College, Underwater Robotics at El Camino College, and Nature Based Solutions at West LA College.

These programs, and the careers they will prepare students for, are rooted in the blue economy and share its goal—shifting humanity’s relationship with the ocean from one that is exploitative to one that is collaborative. This shift stems from recognition that healthy oceans are necessary for life on earth to persist.

The coming decades are critical for limiting climate change. The ocean holds many solutions, and, as the new LAEDC report emphasizes, the blue economy is the key to unlocking them. AltaSea is dedicated to providing the necessary education and career pathway programs. There has never been a more important time to support the growth of ocean-friendly, climate change-fighting, well-paid jobs.