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NOAA National Ocean Service
According to the statistics from the annual Marine Economy Satellite Account (MESA), the US marine economy contributed a total of $476 billion in economic impact in 2022, representing nearly 2% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).
Additionally, this sector generated $777 billion in sales, and supported 2.4 million jobs in 2022. These data reflect the period from 2017 to 2022 and have been published by two Department of Commerce agencies: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
"These figures show how essential the Blue Economy is to American prosperity," indicated NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad. "The ocean and the Great Lakes are integral to the overall health of America's economy, and they impact our lives in numerous ways."
Furthermore, NOAA National Ocean Service Assistant Administrator Nicole LeBoeuf expressed: "This report underscores the critical need to do whatever we can to support and bolster the marine sector. Our nation's marine economy influences many aspects of our economic landscape and our daily lives, affecting regions far beyond our coasts."
With $163 billion, tourism and recreation are the largest contributors to GDP. They are followed by national defense and public administration with $149 billion, and offshore minerals with $62 billion.
On the other hand, the sales sectors that grew the most in 2022 were ship and boat building (14.6%), coastal tourism and recreation (8.1%), and marine transportation and warehousing (7%).
Finally, NOAA Chief Economist Monica Grasso added: "We can continue building a thriving marine economy for America by investing in restoration, sustainability and working closely with stakeholders. A thriving, resilient marine economy uplifts our communities and drives our nation forward."
Just a month ago, NOOA presented a new facility on Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island which will serve as the future home of the NOAA Marine Operations Center-Atlantic.
