Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 68/2021 approving the National Strategy for the Sea 2021-2030.

This Resolution of the Council of Ministers approves the National Strategy for the Sea 2021-2030. The sea is one of the most important identity marks of Portugal. A healthy ocean is a fundamental condition for Portuguese society to benefit from, including the sustainable, circular and inclusive blue economy. In a decade marked by the imperative of global threats, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, new forms of pollution and ocean acidification, Portugal is called to play an active role in the search for global solutions. Scientific research allows us to identify ways to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems, safeguard cultural heritage and optimize economic activities, working as an engine for innovation, which is fundamental for economic development and job creation. The security dimension is crucial to respond to threats, preventing and acting in situations that put the marine environment, economic activities and human life at sea at risk. Thus, the vision of this strategy is based on promoting a healthy ocean to enhance sustainable blue development, the well-being of the Portuguese. Strategic objectives for the decade: Portugal and the world are facing major global challenges today and in the next 10 years. Climate change, the over-exploitation of the planet's natural resources and the decline of its biodiversity, hunger and thirst, human and ecosystem health and the loss of goods and knowledge linked to cultural heritage are actual challenges.
In order to outline the best measures to combat all these challenges, this strategy is organized around 10 major strategic objectives (SO) for the decade. These objectives were defined based on SWOT analysis (summarized in table 1), ensuring their alignment with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations and also with those of the European Ecological Pact. These strategic objectives cover the following matters: Combat climate change and pollution and protect and restore ecosystems; Foster employment and the circular and sustainable blue economy; Promote renewable energies and energy autonomy; Foster employment and the circular and sustainable blue economy; Investing in ensuring sustainability and food security; Facilitate access to clean water; Promote health and well-being; Stimulate scientific knowledge, technological development and blue innovation; Fishing (fishing, aquaculture, processing and marketing of their products), etc.