The United States must urgently bolster its fisheries, maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding capacity and workforce pipeline to stay competitive in the fast-expanding global blue economy, lawmakers and industry leaders told a US Senate hearing in Washington on 3 June. The session, titled ‘The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Industry, and Coastal Economies’, framed ocean-linked industries as central to economic growth, food security and national defence.

Why the blue economy matters

Senator Dan Sullivan said America's oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes underpin jobs and security alike. He noted that in 2022, the sector generated more than $470 billion in goods and services and supported 2.4 million jobs.

‘The blue economy encompasses the industries, activities and of course, the communities that rely on our oceans, coasts, Great Lakes to create economic opportunities, support jobs, strengthen national security and sustain coastal communities,’ Sullivan said. He described seafood competitiveness as both ‘economic security and even national security’, warning that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continues to threaten global stocks and fair trade.

Coastal economies under strain

Ranking member Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester highlighted that Delaware's coastal economy alone supports more than 100,000 jobs and generates over $22 billion in output. She criticised proposed cuts to federal maritime and coastal programmes, arguing they would erode growth and sustainable development.

Tommy Sheridan, director of the Alaska Blue Economy Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, warned that many coastal communities were hollowing out as young families left amid economic stagnation and rising costs.

‘When families leave coastal Alaska, we don't just lose a line on a census report. We lose a classroom. We lose a volunteer firefighter. We lose our future,’ Sheridan said, urging Congress to invest in STEM education, fisheries science and innovation.

Global competition and seafood exports

Jeremy Woodrow, executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, said Alaska seafood reaches more than 90 countries and plays a role in global food security. American producers, however, face intense competition from foreign rivals — particularly Russia — alongside mounting tariff and regulatory pressures.

‘Alaska seafood tells a uniquely American story, one of stewardship, resilience, and leadership,’ Woodrow said, calling for sustained federal backing for science, infrastructure and market development.

Mapping gaps and the Jones Act

Hydrographic surveying specialist Nathan Wardwell said 46 per cent of US coastal, ocean and Great Lakes waters remain unmapped to modern standards, while 62 per cent of Alaska's waters lack modern mapping. ‘The blue economy cannot function without hydrographic services,’ he said. ‘Hydrographic data is not a government overhead cost. It is the infrastructure the blue economy is built on.’

Clay Hale of Crowley Maritime Corporation defended the century-old Jones Act, calling it essential for American shipbuilding, maritime jobs and military readiness. Prolonged waivers allowing foreign vessels into domestic trade routes, he cautioned, could discourage investment and weaken the US maritime base.

What's next

The hearing reflected growing bipartisan concern over US maritime competitiveness as policymakers move to counter expanding Chinese and Russian influence in global shipping, fisheries and port infrastructure. Further committee deliberations on funding and workforce measures are expected in the coming weeks.