Assessing the Blue Economy for Maritime Spatial Planning: Evidence from Sicily (Italy)

This study presents an innovative economic assessment framework for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) by developing a sectorally disaggregated, bi-regional Supply and Use model tailored to Sicily’s blue economy. By constructing a Blue Economy Satellite Account, integrating national and regional data, the analysis provides a granular representation of intersectoral linkages and spatial dynamics. A scenario simulating a uniform 5 % reduction in output across fishing, aquaculture, maritime transport, and coastal tourism reveals significant systemic interdependencies, particularly within coastal tourism. The results underscore the analytical value of this novel approach and highlight the need for integrated, regionally specific MSP strategies that reconcile ecological and socio-economic objectives.