Call for Proposals: The Blue Economy Is the Economy
By: Daniel Hayden, President & CEO Restore America’s Estuaries
For too long, the conversation around our coasts has been framed as a choice: protecting marine ecosystems or growing the marine economy. But the evidence is overwhelming—these are not competing priorities. A thriving marine economy depends on a thriving marine ecosystem. Together, they form what we call the Blue Economy, and its importance to the nation grows every year.
The Blue Economy is an expansive network of job creators, business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs, each dedicated to improving coastal ecosystems in exciting and innovative ways. The 2026 Coastal & Estuarine Summit is looking for unique perspectives from across the Blue Economy to help inform the leaders of today and tomorrow. Share your expertise. Grow your network. And help us shape the future of our coasts.
America’s Coasts: Where the Economy Meets the Ecosystem
Coastal and estuarine regions are not just scenic backdrops—they’re economic powerhouses. A recent RAE report, Jobs and Dollars: How Restoration Benefits Coastal Economies, underscores this connection clearly.
- The marine economy contributed $476.2 billion to U.S. GDP in 2022, with steady year‑over‑year growth.
- 189 million Americans visit the coast each year, fueling local businesses from hotels to bait shops.
- Outdoor recreation hit $1.2 trillion in output in 2024, employing 5 million people.
- Boating and fishing alone generated $36.8 billion, the largest share of recreational activity nationwide.
- Coastal habitats support 75% of commercial and 80–90% of recreational fish catches.
Healthy coasts are healthy economies.
But the Blue Economy Is at Risk
Despite their value, our coasts are disappearing at alarming rates.
- In only 35 years, 250,000 acres of estuarine habitat have vanished due to unchecked development.
- Between 2001–2016, wetland loss in developed areas resulted in the equivalent of $8,000 in annual damages for every 2.5 football fields lost.
These losses are not abstract environmental concerns—they are direct financial liabilities for households, businesses, and governments.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of the Blue Economy
We invite you to help lead the national conversation at the 2026 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit. We are seeking proposals for sessions on topics such as:
- Greening ports
- Tourism and recreation
- Sustainable aquaculture
- Offshore wind
- Youth development and workforce training
- Responsible ocean mining
- Climate‑resilient coastal development
- … and more.
Submit your proposal here: https://estuaries.org/2026-summit-call-for-proposals/
We are also seeking sponsors who want to highlight their leadership in the Blue Economy—whether you’re looking to reach new customers, showcase innovations, or hire top talent. For sponsorship information, contact LSpeidell@estuaries.org.
Registration for the 2026 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit opens April 13.
