28 June 2019 — ​ Special Interest Group on Offshore Renewables

Blue economy
A new article in Forbes magazine, ‘Making Blue Economy A Sustainable Reality’, highlights the importance of our oceans for planetary and human health. ‘Not only do they help buffer the impacts of climate change, these delicate ecosystems also provide habitats for millions of species, more than half the oxygen we breathe and food for more than a billion people. The ideal model of a blue economy, therefore, is built around “triple bottom line” decision making, integrating economic, social and environmental needs for optimal benefits all round. With a holistic definition in place, the next step is to make it a tangible reality’.

Two exciting events took place this week linked to Blue Economy:

• The EU Blue BioEconomy Forum (25 June, Brussels) brought together stakeholders from industry, public authorities, academia and finance in order to strengthen Europe’s competitive position in the emerging blue bioeconomy. Commissioner Karmenu Vella stated during his opening speech that ‘sustainability must be at the heart of blue bioeconomy’. (The European Commission also launched the Blue Economy Report 2019 at the European Maritime Day in Lisbon last month.)
• The second edition of the Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) (25-26 June, Tunis) forum focussed on propelling sustainable blue growth in Africa. According to one presenter ‘it is no longer business as usual. Africa must have a Sustainable Blue Business Plan which will have a positive impact on the environment, on the economy and on society’. 

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Gif of the week
 

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#OceanOptimism

• Tide turns for an Italian coastal wasteland (nice 5-min video).
• ​Jellyfish researchers want you to start thinking about these creatures for your next meal.
• ​Draft text of a new treaty for the conservation of the high seas.​

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Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
​Special Interest Group on Offshore Renewables
Renewable energy will play a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, including the development and construction of wave, tidal or wind infrastructure within the marine environment. The IMarEST Offshore Renewables group addresses issues concerning the development of the sector, including all projects, processes and management of offshore systems. Notably, the group focuses on a number of key high-level actions such as promoting engagement in national and international offshore initiatives; conducting academic outreach and professional development of the next generation of offshore renewable experts. You can find out more on the IMarEST website.

Installation of a tidal turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre (©EMEC)

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From the editor
We are currently partnering with IMarEST to bring you info about their special interest groups. IMarEST is an international learned society and membership body that brings marine engineers, scientists and technologists together. It spans 128 countries and works to promote the three marine disciplines, providing knowledge sharing opportunities to exchange ideas and innovation and upholding the status, standards and expertise of marine professionals worldwide. It is also an NGO with status, such as consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for inspiring stories and up-to-date marine news. The Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are voluntary groups which operate to the benefit of a specialist marine profession, by bringing together experts from the marine sector. They provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, outreach and advisory information for the wider industry – in some cases influencing legislation and policy. 

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