Project Overview

Endowed with over 1,000 miles of coastline, tens of thousands of acres of protected conservation and recreation lands, world renown marine technology and research organizations, and a reputation as an internationally known coastal vacation choice, the Cape Cod Region is truly a maritime centered destination in which to live, work play, and create.

For the better part of a century, the Region has had a tourism and retirement-centered economy that leverages its unique and immense natural resources, as well as its geographic position near population centers in the Northeast. While this strategy has been successful in establishing the region as a world-class leisure destination, it has failed to embrace many other facets of the region’s economy that have grown around its core attribute – water related resources.

Launched in 2015 by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, The Blue Economy Project is a regional initiative to promote and sustain a maritime-focused economy on Cape Cod, the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and southern Plymouth County.  This effort builds on existing tourism industries, a world class marine research and technology cluster, and sustainable use planning dedicated to preserving our environment and quality of life. Initial project support funding was provided by a grant from the Baker-Polito administration’s Seaport Economic Council.

The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc. was established in 2017 to provide support for the Project.

The blue economy acknowledges that the environment is our economy.  It recognizes the vast role that water- both salt and fresh, plays in our everyday life, and the importance of finding a sustainable and symbiotic course for the future.

To achieve this vision, the Blue Economy Project will focus on work in three thematic areas: