Austria

In 2022, the Austrian established Blue Economy sectors employ roughly 18 500 people and generates around €950 million in GVA. The Blue Economy has a very marginal impact on the Austrian economy and employment rates.

In Austria, the share of Blue Economy GVA to the national economy has been stable at 0.2% since 2018. Similarly, the share of Blue Economy jobs to national employment was stable at 0.4%. Employment in 2023 is estimated at roughly 19 000 while GVA at €1 billion.  

The Austrian Blue Economy is dominated by Marine living resources, which contribute to 80% of Austrian Blue Economy jobs and 60% to GVA in 2022. The relative importance of the Marine living Resources sector has remained stable on a year-to-year basis in terms of persons employed (79% in 2021) and decreased in terms of GVA (from 66% in 2021).

The sector Port activities is also an important contributor, with 12% of the Austrian Blue Economy jobs and 28% of the GVA. Shipbuilding and repair represents 6% of the Austrian Blue Economy GVA and 4% of the employment.

While Austria is a landlocked country and does not have direct marine waters, it pursues blue economic activities. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML) covers, among other topics, aquaculture policies.