Convergence of India & Australia in the Indo-Pacific: Opportunities in Blue Economy & Maritime Tourism

The region of Asia-Pacific became the fastest growing tourist destination in the world during the past decade. India’s position is critical for countries like Australia, Japan, and the United States. This piece aims to emphasize the importance of diplomacy in international relations and maritime tourism. Australia works in practical, long-term initiatives with regional partners, and India is one such partner. The evolving strategic engagement among India and Australia is the consequence of developments in Asia-Pacific geopolitics in the first decade of the 21st century. The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected both the economy and the tourism sector. In India and Australia, the Indo-Pacific region is increasingly viewed as a significant strategic arena. In various regions of the world, tourism is seen as a means of peace and stability. The author emphasizes the importance of cooperation and suggests measures for growth and development in the region through blue economy and maritime tourism.

Red Seaweed Pigments from a Biotechnological Perspective

Algae taxa are notably diverse regarding pigment diversity and composition, red seaweeds (Rhodophyta) being a valuable source of phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrins, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin), carotenes (carotenoids and xanthophylls), and chlorophyll a. These pigments have a considerable biotechnological potential, which has been translated into several registered patents and commercial applications. However, challenges remain regarding the optimization and subsequent scale-up of extraction and purification methodologies, especially when considering the quality and quantity needs, from an industrial and commercial point of view. This review aims to provide the state-of-the-art information on each of the aforementioned groups of pigments that can be found within Rhodophyta. An outline of the chemical biodiversity within pigment groups, current extraction and purification methodologies and challenges, and an overview of commercially available products and registered patents, will be provided. Thus, the current biotechnological applications of red seaweeds pigments will be highlighted, from a sustainable and economical perspective, as well as their integration in the Blue Economy.

Achieving Blue Economy goals by implementing digital technologies in the maritime transport sector

This paper analyses how digital technologies implementation in the maritime transport sector companies can help in achieving the Blue Economy goals. Previous research offering a comprehensive overview of digital technologies in the maritime transport sector within the context of the Blue Economy is scarce. To fill this research gap, the economic effects of maritime transport are investigated, and the positive impacts of digital technologies on maritime transport are analyzed, all in the context of the Blue Economy. The authors have concluded that by implementing digital technologies in the maritime transport sector, the Blue Economy goals related to maritime transport (for example transport cost reduction, decreased harmful emissions generated during the voyage and at the berth) can better be achieved, etc.

The South American Advances in Submarine Canyons Studies and Their Link to the Ocean Decade

Submarine canyons have a relevant role in marine ecosystems. They are responsible for oceanographic conditions such as variability of temperature and salinity, sediment transport, nutrients, and even pollutants amongst marine areas. Submarine canyon studies have been growing and reaching prominence due to their importance in the Blue Economy. Initiatives to promote sustainable development for the ocean have been discussed in the Ocean Decade. Although canyons studies are increasing, how can we integrate these with the Ocean Decade outcomes? Thus, we aim to demonstrate an overview of the advances of submarine canyons studies and their link to the Ocean Decade for South America. We analyzed 160 studies divided into spatiotemporal analysis and study approaches according to the Ocean Decade outcomes. We discuss these articles, building a timeline and argumentative topics considering the advances, and discuss gaps to predict the future of submarine canyons studies in the Ocean Decade and Blue Economy context.