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In this perspective article, B. C. Howard explores the role that stakeholders play in the development of blue growth. Sustainable development is often viewed as a scientific or political problem, but stakeholders also have a huge role to play. Stakeholder action has the possibility to create or destroy the objectives set by the United Nations and other international bodies in terms of sustainability. Here Howard interviews a number of important actors about how they think we can work together to achieve a blue economy. journalist working for National Geographic, explores the role that stakeholders must play in the development of blue growth. Howard interviewed a number of key actors about his personal story and success, and how they think we can work together to achieve a blue economy. Blue growth or blue economy as a term first conceived in the Rio + 20 UN meeting in 2012, as a parallel to the green economy for oceans of the world. Applying the name to this concept is the beginning for many governments to start thinking of ways to truly achieve sustainable development in the oceans. Indeed, sustainable development is often viewed as a political problem, or sometimes as a problem that can only be overcome with the advancement of science and science itself. However, stakeholders also have a big role if we want to create a blue economy. Stakeholder action has the possibility to create or destroy the objectives set by the United Nations and other international bodies in terms of sustainability. Stakeholders and industry also have a lot of power to direct and drive innovation in science and technology, rather than waiting for scientists to innovate with ad libitum.

2. Introduction

In Uganda, local fishermen make more money from their catch thanks to innovative products that also help reduce food waste. Developed in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the Mukene fish powder product, fights for wage increases among fishermen and malnutrition in childhood at the same time.

In the past, when Ugandan fishermen processed their catch, they often dumped their heads, bones, and organs. But now they can sell the ingredients to the processor, which dries the parts and grind them into a powder. The result is high in calcium and other essential minerals as well as vitamins and easily stirred into stews.

"It's great for children's brain development, and many mothers buy it," says Jacqueline Alder, who leads the FAO program in blue growth, or sustainable ocean resource development.

"These powders help reduce stunting which is already a problem because of lack of good nutrition," Alder said. "At the same time, this product helps fishermen get more value for their fish, which reduces the pressure that leads to overfishing, hopefully helping the fish stock recover from time to time."

The project is an example of a triple bottom line win, Alder said, improving the financial, social, and environmental health of the community. And that's all blue growth, he said.

In July 2014, South African President Jacob Zuma announced Operation Phakisa (meaning "rush" in Sesotho), an ambitious development plan that included a great emphasis on blue growth. The government hopes to create a million new jobs in the blue sector, from shipping to aquaculture to oil and gas development, while adding economic growth of R177 billion. The plan is not perfect, said the Dutch-based marine planner Tundi Agardy, who founded the non-profit group Sound Seas. Phakisa emphasizes new industrial activities, Agardy said, although the South African government is also working with environmental groups to appoint ecologically protected marine areas.

Seafood should be more easily tracked globally, Graham said, building efforts to fight the steam mislabel in Europe, the U.S., and other countries over the past few years. Nowadays, consumers can often track their oysters or shrimp back to the right location and when they are caught.