OECD’s Claire Jolly to Reveal Critical Priorities for a Sustainable Future Ocean Economy in Keynote Speech at Oi26

With global shaping forces continuing to impact ocean health and the ocean economy, Claire Jolly, Lead of the Ocean Economy programme at OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), will take centre stage at Oceanology International 2026 to call for strengthened global collaboration to unlock the full potential of a sustainable blue future. She will also reveal how the OECD will be informing policymakers with a major new biennial report: The Ocean Economy at A Glance


Courtesy of OECD


London, UK – 16 February 2026: The ocean, covering about 71% of Earth’s surface, is the lifeblood of our planet – and also a powerhouse of economic activity.

Supporting over 100 million jobs and generating 3-4% of global GDP, the 2.6 trillion-dollar ocean economy is a vital part of the global economy. In fact, if the ocean economy were a country, it would be the fifth largest economy in the world.

Over the past 25 years, the ocean economy has expanded without major downturns, growing at an annual average rate of 2.8% according to OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) statistics and analysis. Growth was driven by offshore oil and gas, marine and coastal tourism, marine fishing and aquaculture, maritime transport and port activities, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for approximately 75% of global ocean economic growth between 1995 and 2020.

However, the ocean economy is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and illicit activity. Factors such as population growth, trade and globalisation, the energy transition, technological advances and geopolitical dynamics will shape ocean health and the future growth trajectory of the ocean economy.

OECD findings indicate that various forces could slow or even reverse growth by 2050 if no policy actions are taken, with faltering productivity trends and digitalisation gaps impacting the ocean economy’s future potential.

It has never been more critical to ensure bold, co-ordinated action to safeguard marine ecosystems and sustain the ocean economy as a source of prosperity for future generations.

OECD to Update the Ocean Technology Community at Oi26

The work and research conducted at the OECD on the ocean economy is a vital tool for policymakers, identifying key priorities to secure a resilient and sustainable future ocean economy, balancing economic opportunity with environmental responsibility.

With the launch of its major report, The Ocean Economy to 2050, last March, the OECD provided groundbreaking data and insights into how the ocean economy has evolved and what lies ahead. New international estimates from the Ocean Economy Monitor that were featured in the report offer the first coherent statistics on ocean economy employment across time, economic activities and countries.

Four strategic priorities – strengthening ocean governance, promoting technological innovation, enhancing ocean data collection, and ensuring the inclusion of developing countries in global value chains – were identified for policymakers to lay the foundations for a future ocean economy that is both economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable.

One year on from the 2050 report, Claire Jolly, Lead of the Ocean Economy programme at OECD, is set to deliver an exclusive update for the ocean technology community when she returns to the conference stage at Oceanology International 2026 at Excel London.

Claire will reveal the latest influential messages and insights, outlining how OECD’s findings and foresight can inform decision-makers and help determine the actions needed to address the trends.

Previewing her keynote speech at Oi26, Claire Jolly said: “I have four main messages coming out of the work that we are conducting at the OECD on the ocean economy. The first one is that the ocean economy is a growth frontier, but only if we manage it wisely. Our latest OECD data show that the ocean economy has doubled in value added in 25 years, but economic prosperity and ocean health must advance together, and strong science foundations are essential.

“Secondly, sustainability is not a constraint. We see through the evidence that we collected, that it's the enabler of long term value. Overfishing, pollution and habitat loss are eroding the natural capital that underpin the ocean economy. Investing in marine conservation, circular economy models and low carbon technologies is essential for ensuring both economic and ecological resilience.

“The third message – one which really resonates with the Oceanology International audience – is that innovation and data are the new tides shaping ocean industries. Emerging technologies, from ocean observation systems and AI-driven monitoring to green shipping and renewable marine energy, can really transform how we use and protect ocean resources. At the OECD, we emphasise that innovation is really the key for balancing growth with stewardship, but also for making some productivity gains that are essential to sustain the ocean economy.

“And the final message is that global collaboration is really the anchor of a sustainable blue future. The ocean connects us all, and international cooperation on governance, finance and data sharing, including through OECD frameworks, is vital to unlock the full potential of a sustainable ocean economy.”

OECD Announces New Flagship Report

The OECD has also confirmed the launch of a major initiative to support decision-makers in public and private organisations, as well as academia.

In view of the global interest in the OECD’s statistics and analysis, it will release in the autumn 2026 a new OECD flagship report (to be then published every two years): The Ocean Economy at A Glance.

Claire Jolly added: “Evidence on the ocean economy is essential from local to global levels, and the OECD and our team are well placed to help and advise governments as well as other actors, stakeholders to put in place the right frameworks.”

OECD Joins Key Speakers at Oi26

At Oi26, Claire Jolly, from the OECD, will give a keynote speech for the plenary session titled The Role of the Ocean Enterprise in Enabling a Future Sustainable Ocean Economy. The session at 15.20 on Tuesday, 10th March in the Ocean Futures Theatre will explore the future trajectory of the Ocean Economy and the role of technological innovation and ocean intelligence in driving sustainable Blue Economy growth.

Panellists for the session are: Claire Jolly; James Keston, Director, Venture Growth - Center for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE); Dr Ryan Mowat, Chair, Marine Science and Technology Group (MSTG), Society for Maritime Industries (SMI); Zack Baize, Ocean Enterprise Program Manager, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The full Conference Programme for Oi26 features three days of technical, strategic, policy and Blue-Economy-focused content across different conference locations.

Oceanology International, the world’s leading forum for ocean science, engineering and technology, returns to Excel London from 10th to 12th March 2026, connecting more than 8,000 attendees and 450 exhibitors from over 80 countries.

Visitors can register for entry now via the Oi26 website for the chance to join ocean professionals from key ocean industries who will unite across a wide range of sectors, including offshore renewables, oil & gas, ocean observation, defence, maritime security, marine science, ports, aquaculture and subsea.

This year, Oceanology International expands its horizons with the debut of COAST, a new coastal and shallow water exhibition zone and conference track.

Location: London, UK