The Institute for Overseas Departments in Guadeloupe (IEDOM) has published a light note on the blue economy1 of Guadeloupe.
With 31 out of 32 municipalities with a seafront, Guadeloupe is the overseas department (DOM) which benefits from the largest coastline (more than 620 km). The economy of the sea therefore naturally imposes itself on the archipelago which is located in the heart of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) enlarged since 2015.
Maritime employment, understood in its broadest definition, represents 7,1% of total employment, the highest ratio among all the overseas departments. Maritime tourism is particularly present there and is positioned as an important growth factor. The Guadeloupe archipelago enjoys natural and cultural riches that attract visitors. The Grand Maritime Port is the other driver of the sector. Its efficient infrastructure enabled it to process 3,7 million tonnes of goods in 2017 with an average annual increase in tonnage of 1,6% since 2006.
The development of the sector may also be based on activities with high potential, little or not yet developed in Guadeloupe. This is the case for renewable maritime energies, aquaculture and biotechnologies. The fishing sector, anchored in Guadeloupe culture, is struggling to renew itself. With an aging fleet and active population, the sector is looking for a second wind.
The continued structuring of the maritime sector and regional cooperation initiatives, led by public and private actors, also aim to promote its development.
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