ERG Supports Market Analyses on Oregon’s Ocean Resources and Blue Economy Sector

In 2022, the Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) to conduct several comprehensive market analyses of emerging industry sectors within the state. In support of this effort, ERG conducted market analyses of the Ocean Resources and Blue Economy sector, which includes economic activities that depend on the ocean, shoreline, and estuaries along Oregon’s coast. ERG analyzed the sector’s competitive economic strengths and weaknesses; evaluated revenues that Oregon derives from the sector; identified indirect and direct economic impacts of the sector; analyzed demographic details of the sector, such as race, wage, and geographic distribution; identified and discussed policies and actions that may be taken to increase the competitiveness and support the growth of the sector; and recommended actions to be taken in response to changes in federal regulations. Business Oregon then consolidated and delivered the reports, including the Ocean Resources and Blue Economy chapter that ERG produced, to the legislature. The report and two-page summary handouts are available on the Business Oregon website.