Ocean Accounts
A framework for going Beyond GDP - measuring ocean economy, ecosystems, and contributions to sustainable development
What are Ocean Accounts?
Ocean accounts are fundamentally about making visible the connections between human wellbeing, ecosystem health, and economic sustainability.
They provide a systematic framework for organising and presenting statistics about ocean and coastal ecosystems, their condition, the services they provide, and the human activities that depend on and affect them.
Based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), ocean accounts enable countries to better understand the connections between their ocean economy and ocean health, supporting evidence-based policy decisions for sustainable ocean management.
Why Develop Ocean Accounts?
Evidence-Based Policy
Provide policymakers with consistent, comprehensive data to inform decisions about ocean resource management and conservation.
Track Ocean Health
Monitor changes in ocean ecosystems and their condition over time to identify trends and emerging threats.
Measure Economic Value
Quantify the economic contributions of ocean ecosystems to national accounts and GDP.
Social Accounts
Identify and standardise social variables that describe how people relate to the ocean ecosystems and economy.
Support SDG Reporting
Align with international frameworks including SDG 14 and contribute to global ocean sustainability targets.
Ready to Get Started?
Explore our learning resources and guidance to begin developing ocean accounts in your country or region.