Users of Blue Water (Open Ocean)

Who Operates in the Deep Ocean?

"Blue water" refers to the open ocean beyond continental shelves. Key users include:

• Commercial Shipping: Container ships, bulk carriers, tankers on global trade lanes.
• Fishing Fleets: Industrial tuna, pelagic longliners, factory trawlers in international waters (RFMO-managed).
• Naval Forces: Power projection, deterrence, freedom of navigation ops, submarine patrols, carrier groups.
• Marine Science: Research vessels (oceanography, climate, biology, geophysics); Argo floats, gliders, moorings.
• Offshore Energy: Oil/gas platforms (deepwater), emerging floating wind, wave, OTEC.
• Subsea Cables: 99% of intercontinental data traffic; laying/maintenance ships.
• Deep-Sea Mining (emerging): Polymetallic nodules, sulfides, crusts (ISA-regulated).
• Recreation: Transoceanic yachting, cruise ships, sport fishing.
• Conservation: MPAs, high-seas treaty (BBNJ) implementation.

Governance: UNCLOS defines zones (EEZ, high seas, Area). Balancing use and protection is the central challenge.