Center for the Blue Economy

Our mission at the Center for the Blue Economy is to provide economic and policy analysis that supports the development of a robust and equitable blue economy for the 21st century.
What is the “Blue Economy?”
The Center uses the World Bank’s definition of the Blue Economy: the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.
Our Research
Our research focuses primarily on two key areas—1) helping organizations and governments measure their ocean and coastal economies in order to help guide policy, and 2) the economics of climate change adaptation in coastal regions. While the Center examines economic activities in the open ocean—e.g., renewable energy, fisheries, and shipping—we devote most of our attention to issues in coastal zones, particularly building climate resilience and helping coastal communities adapt to climate impacts.
Launch of the Monterey Bay White Shark Website

Dive into the world of white sharks to advance research, conservation, and the protection of their Monterey Bay marine ecosystems.
Introduction to the Blue Economy
Online, self-paced course open to the public

This three- to five-hour self-paced course will expand your knowledge of the blue economy and lay a foundation for deeper learning in more specialized topics. The Introduction to the Blue Economy course is completely online, asynchronous, and self-paced. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to learn on your own time, from anywhere in the world.
Spring 2025 Environmental Justice and Sustainability Speaker Series Open to the Public
UPCOMING EVENT OPEN TO ALL MIIS STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
(Not open to the public)

Center for the Blue Economy News
Student Researchers Sharpen Their Skills at the Center for the Blue Economy
| by Caitlin Fillmore
Students put their skills to work and get a career head start in innovative roles in ocean research at the center based at the Middlebury Institute.
Monterey Bay White Shark Website Launches
Students helped contribute to a research effort on White sharks off the Central Coast that aims to increase public awareness about this majestic apex predator. The Center for the Blue Economy is one of several partners contributing to the $5 million project.
Student Drafts First-Ever Congressional Bill on Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
| by Caitlin Fillmore
Environmental policy and management student Allie Chapman will share her experience drafting legislation during a free public event at the Middlebury Institute on October 21.
Follow us on Social Media
on Facebook @CenterForTheBlueEconomy, Instagram @OceanClimateAction, and LinkedIn at Center for the Blue Economy at MIIS. Watch past lectures on the CBE YouTube channel.
