Maritime security and the Blue Economy: intersections and interdependencies in the Indian Ocean

Authors

Michelle A. Voyer, University of WollongongFollow
Clive H. Schofield, University of WollongongFollow
Kamal Azmi, University of WollongongFollow
Robin M. Warner, University of WollongongFollow
Alistair McIlgorm, University of WollongongFollow
Genevieve Quirk, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

118680

Publication Details

Voyer, M., Schofield, C., Azmi, K., Warner, R., McIlgorm, A. & Quirk, G. (2018). Maritime security and the Blue Economy: intersections and interdependencies in the Indian Ocean. Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, 1-21.

Abstract

Maritime security is essential to supporting the Blue Economy. Many maritime security forums have been key supporters of the Blue Economy concept, particularly in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). This paper will explore the co-evolution and co-dependence of Blue Economy and maritime security agendas, with a particular focus on the IOR. It identifies two primary interactions between Blue Economy and maritime security interests. Firstly, maritime security is an enabler of the Blue Economy, for example, through safeguarding navigation routes, providing important oceanographic data to marine industries and protecting rights over valuable marine resources and activities within claimed zones of maritime jurisdiction. Secondly, an often overlooked role that maritime security plays in the Blue Economy is by being itself a source of economic development and growth. An expanded Blue Economy will create greater demand for maritime security capabilities, and this, in turn, will trigger increased investment and growth in these capabilities. The enhanced and increasingly diverse role that maritime security will continue to play in the Blue Economy can be seen across all sectors in the IOR.