America’s Ocean Bounty: Marine Economy Surge, Secretary Says, Supports a More Climate-Ready Nation

According to a news release by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on June 6, the American marine economy continues to be a powerful engine of growth, contributing nearly $476 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022. This robust performance, detailed in the annual Marine Economy Satellite Account (MESA) by NOAA and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), highlights the crucial role a healthy ocean plays in American prosperity.   “A strong, sustainable marine economy helps build a greater, more Climate-Ready Nation,” declared U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in the news release. The Biden-Harris administration, she emphasized, is committed to “enhancing the marine economy and helping communities and ecosystems grow and thrive.”   Echoing this sentiment, NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., pointed out, “These figures show how essential the Blue Economy is to American prosperity.” He further emphasized the vital role the ocean and Great Lakes play in “the overall health of America’s economy,” impacting countless aspects of daily life.   Tourism and recreation emerged as the most significant contributor to marine economy GDP, generating $163 billion. National defense and public administration followed closely at $149 billion, while offshore minerals contributed $62 billion. Notably, the sales sectors that witnessed the most...