Developing the Blue Economy
Traditionally, the ocean economy is viewed solely as a mechanism for economic growth. In this business-as-usual approach, large-scale industrial economies have developed the ocean economy by exploiting maritime and marine resources, often without considering how those activities impact the future health or productivity of those same resources. This has led to marine ecosystems being viewed and treated as limitless resources; the marine environment becoming a dumping ground for waste; overfishing diminishing fishing stocks; ocean habitats being degraded from coastal developments; sea-level rise impacting coastal communities and infrastructure; increasing ocean acidification; and the marginalisation of poor coastal communities.
Blue Economy
In response, there is a transition underway worldwide towards the blue economy, which views economic development and ocean health as complementary to one another. In the blue economy, the environmental risks of and ecological degradation from economic activity are mitigated or significantly reduced. Therefore, economic activity balances the ocean ecosystems’ long-term capacity to support this activity and remain healthy and resilient.
Coastal Water Resources Management
Globally, non-point source pollution has contributed to eutrophication in estuarine and coastal waters, resulting in reduced water quality, loss of habitat and natural resources, and hypoxia. Meanwhile, sea-level rise has led to seawater intrusion into surface water and coastal aquifers, diminishing freshwater resources for human use. Simultaneously, rising demand for water has led to many locations around the world implementing desalination projects. However, while desalination is secure, reliable, and resilient, the construction and operation of desalination plants can result in various environmental impacts offshore. Furthermore, waterways are transporting significant amounts of plastic pollution into the oceans, degrading marine ecosystems and impacting human health.
San Francisco’s Water Pollution Prevention Programmes
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has developed a range of pollution prevention programmes that employ public education, outreach, and legislation strategies to reduce the amount of pollutants that can enter the bay and ocean via the sewer system:
- 2021 Pollution Prevention Calendar: The free annual pollution prevention calendar features vivid photos of San Francisco’s flora and landscape while providing everyday tips and resources for preventing pollution at home and in the environment
- Only Rain Down the Drain: SFPUC provides a range of tips to prevent pollution of the storm drains and protect the bay and ocean, including tips on how to prevent stormwater pollution, how to use less-toxic gardening products, how to properly dispose of pesticides and household chemicals, and how to wash a car in an environmentally friendly way
- Toilets are not trashcans!: The programme educates the public on the top five things that should not be flushed down the toilet
Communities
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