Report finds North Carolina could lead in ‘Blue Economy’ innovation through ecosystem technologies

RTI experts highlight aquaculture and coastal resilience as key sectors for economic growth

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — North Carolina has the potential to become a national leader in the ‘Blue Economy’ by integrating ecosystem technologies into aquaculture and coastal resilience industries, according to a new policy brief from RTI International, an independent scientific research institute.

The brief outlines how ecosystem technologies—innovations that combine ecological systems with advanced technological tools—can drive economic development while protecting natural resources.

“The idea is that North Carolina can become a national ‘Blue Economy’ leader by incorporating new science and technology being developed here by our research institutions. We can do this in a way that supports marine industries and benefits both people and the planet,” said Jess Wilkinson, lead author and economic development researcher at RTI. “North Carolina’s existing strengths in aquaculture and coastal resilience make it uniquely positioned to develop a strong Blue Economy.”

In 2023, the U.S. seafood trade deficit reached $20.3 billion, with imports accounting for 80% of consumption. Expanding domestic aquaculture is an opportunity for North Carolina and could reduce reliance on imports and create new jobs, the report says. The state’s aquaculture industry generated $33.2 million in sales across 95 farms in 2023, with strong growth in trout and oyster production.

However, the report notes that outdated regulations and fragmented supply chains are limiting the industry’s potential. For example, advanced technologies such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), which recycle water and use advanced filtration, are underutilized due to high costs and regulatory barriers.

Coastal resilience is another area of opportunity with 92% of North Carolina’s coastline experiencing erosion and annual hurricane-related damages estimated at $1.41 billion, according to the brief. Local companies are developing nature-based solutions like biodegradable reef structures and AI-powered erosion monitoring systems, but many lack the resources to scale, the authors note. 

To address these challenges, the RTI brief recommends four key actions:

• Develop a statewide Blue Economy strategy
• Invest in technology development and coordination
• Modernize aquaculture regulations
• Fund pilot projects to test new technologies

One such pilot, proposed and planned by NC EcoTech, a multi-organization initiative based at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, aims to convert a decommissioned wastewater plant into a high-tech aquaculture facility. RTI is a member of NC EcoTech and contributed to the research behind the brief. 

The brief was published by RTI Press, a global publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access publications. 

Read the full brief