DELIVERING INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION FOR A MARINE NATION. The Blue Economy CRC underpins the key guiding principles echoed in the 2017 report The Potential for the Blue Economy coordinated by The World Bank Group and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). It defines a sustainable blue economy as a marine-based economy that: - Provides social and economic benefits for current and future generations; - Restores, protects and maintains the diversity, productivity, resilience, core functions, and intrinsic value of marine ecosystems; - Is based on clean technologies, renewable energy and circular material flows. VISION To enhance the development of the blue economy through the delivery of world-class, industry-focused research into sustainable offshore aquaculture and renewable energy production systems. MISSION - To develop innovative and state-of-the-art offshore aquaculture and renewable energy systems that represent a paradigm shift in the way we use our oceans for the production of food and energy; - Through integration of the aquaculture production, marine renewable energy and offshore engineering sectors, the CRC will position Australia as a global leader in the production of economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally responsible high quality marine products; - To demonstrate the significant economic, employment and environmental benefits of co-locating industry sectors offshore that will drive down the unit costs of production and underpin long term competitiveness from the planet’s greatest natural asset – its Oceans. “Australia’s vast oceans are the heritage, heart and economic future of our country. The value of this marine estate to the homes, work, play, energy, food, safety and security of all Australians is matched only by the enormous economic and environmental wealth that this national asset affords us." - National Marine Science Plan 2015-2025