Climate Change Impact on the Ocean Economy and Policy Implications for South Africa

In South Africa, the ocean economy is generally defined as all economic activities that are linked to the oceans’ natural resources and environment. These activities include marine aquaculture, fisheries, marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, coastal and marine tourism, and small harbors. Studies have shown that climate change has remarkable impacts on the ocean economy, in general, and, particularly, economic activities discussed in this paper to varying degrees. Climate change presents a tangible threat to sustainable trade and development and will impact on the potential of the ocean economy. The ocean economy could contribute to the economic growth of South Africa and have reciprocal impact across businesses, government, and society. Ocean economy and climate change are constructs that are multidimensional in essence and span a range of public policy domains. Achieving the full potential of the ocean economy while simultaneously mitigating the knock-on impact of climate change requires a horizontally integrated public policy framework. Policy development should be cognizant of the need for adaption and mitigation and needs to be inclusive of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, notably government, business, and communities.