This special session is dedicated to the Blue Economy, a transformative approach that seeks to reconcile ocean-based economic development with the long-term health and sustainability of marine ecosystems. The session will lay the groundwork by exploring the critical governance frameworks of marine conservation areas and marine spatial planning. These discussions will focus on strategic, science-based approaches to allocating ocean space for multiple uses while safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services. Supporting this framework, we will delve into the technological and operational aspects of monitoring and surveillance of coastal areas and small islands, highlighting innovative methods to ensure compliance, protect sovereign rights, and maintain the integrity of our marine domains.

At the core of the Blue Economy lies the sustainable production of food and resources. This session will feature in-depth presentations on responsible and sustainable fisheries practices, addressing key challenges such as overfishing, bycatch, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through improved stock assessments and community-based management. Complementing this, we will examine the growing field of sustainable aquaculture of marine, brackishwater, and inland waters. This segment will showcase advances in low-impact farming technologies, feed innovation, and biosecurity measures that aim to increase food production while minimizing environmental footprints and enhancing local livelihoods.

Finally, the session will address the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation in other key sectors, with a special focus on marine tourism and the handling of marine pollution, including marine debris. This theme explores strategies to foster a thriving tourism industry that actively contributes to conservation and tackles one of its greatest threats. Underpinning all these pillars is the crucial human element. Therefore, the session will conclude by emphasizing the importance of marine and fisheries extension, education, and training. We invite contributions on building human capital, empowering coastal communities, and fostering a new generation of ocean stewards equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive a truly sustainable Blue Economy.

The topics in Blue Economy are but not limited to:

• Marine conservation areas and marine spatial planning
• Responsible and sustainable fisheries practices
• Sustainable aquaculture of marine, brackishwater, and inland waters
• Monitoring and surveillance of coastal areas and small islands
• Marine tourism and handling of marine pollution, including marine debris
  Marine and fisheries extension, education, and training