This report considers how marine biotechnology can contribute to economic and social prosperity and offer potential solutions to global challenges by making use of recent advances in science and technology. It looks at how these advances are improving our understanding of marine life and facilitating access to and study of marine organisms and ecosystems and their largely untapped potential. It examines the challenges associated with the development of these resources, which exist in complex ecosystems and are distributed throughout a vast shared environment. The report argues for a new global framework for the sustainable development of marine biotechnology and identifies areas that may benefit from greater attention as governments develop policies to support marine biotechnology. It also notes some early policy lessons learned by governments that have sought to benefit from bioresources.

Interest in marine biotechnology has grown as a result of scientific advances that have increased our knowledge of marine biodiversity and the development of technology and tools to access and study marine organisms and ecosystems. Knowledge of marine life is expanding rapidly as new species are discovered and as the complexity and biodiversity of marine organisms and ecosystems is better recognised. Marine bioresources hold great potential as a source of novel products and processes yet remain largely untapped. The application of biotechnology to these resources may help to address the global challenges of food, energy security and health and contribute to green growth and sustainable industries. At the same time, the conditions for maintaining a sustainable relationship between the conservation and use of marine bioresources is becoming better understood.

Advances in science and technology in the last decade have increased our understanding of ocean bioresources and renewed interest in the field of marine biotechnology. As governments recognise marine biotechnology’s potential to address some of today’s global challenges, they are incorporating marine biotechnology in their strategies for innovation, national prosperity, and economic and social growth. As marine biotechnology becomes a prominent feature of these strategies, it will be important to ensure that the field is developed in a sustainable manner.

Recent advances in our understanding of marine bioresources have enabled better understanding of the potential contribution of marine biotechnology to social and economic growth and prosperity. Governments investing in marine biotechnology have recognised the potential for marine biotechnology to help sustain the ecosystem services the ocean provides to the planet. This chapter discusses the potential socioeconomic contribution of marine biotechnology and the importance of marine biotechnology to environmental sustainability.

This chapter discusses existing and potential markets and other economic benefits to be realised through marine biotechnology. In the current economic situation, understanding the impact of investments and maximising returns on investment are more important than ever. This chapter therefore looks at existing measures and indicators for marine biotechnology and considers what further measures and indicators may be required.

This chapter discusses the knowledge-based, scientific and technological infrastructure required to reap the benefits of marine biotechnology. In other fields, large national or international projects have drawn financial and political attention to the infrastructures required to meet their goals. The chapter asks: “What type of infrastructure is necessary to drive development of the field?” and “What policies might be required to achieve this goal?”

This chapter looks at some of the broader social challenges and opportunities relating to the conservation and sustainable development of marine bioresources. It examines the interactions of science, industry and society that will affect this development. It focuses particularly on social issues requiring particular attention: those originating from the complexity of developing marine bioresources and from the shared and dynamic nature of the marine environment.

This chapter presents conclusions, identifies the policy areas of greatest potential impact for enabling the sustainable development of marine biotechnology and highlights the challenges of supporting both productivity and ocean sustainability. It provides a foundation for future work to overcome the challenges and realise the potential of marine biotechnology.