BLUE DATASPACE: DATA SPACE IN THE BLUE ECONOMY TO IMPROVE GOVERNANCE AND THE USE OF INFORMATION IN AQUACULTURE, FISHERIES, PORT ENVIRONMENTS AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Abstract

The Mar Menor, a coastal lagoon of high ecological value, has undergone recurrent episodes of degradation linked to eutrophication, human pressure and fragmented environmental governance. Addressing these challenges requires integrating heterogeneous data sources, environmental, socio-economic, scientific and operational, currently dispersed across institutions. Digitalization and emerging technologies offer an opportunity to overcome structural barriers in Blue Biotechnology and Blue Economy innovation by enabling secure, interoperable and federated data flows that support evidence-based decision making. Moreover, improved data governance is essential to strengthen coordination among key sectors such as aquaculture, fisheries, port management environmental monitoring and sustainable tourism, all of which depend on timely and reliable information to mitigate impacts and optimize resource use.