Australia’s marine industry generated $229 billion in economic output in 2023, up 19% on a like-for-like basis from two years earlier, according to the 2025 AIMS Index of Marine Industry released by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The report estimates full-time equivalent employment rose 52% to 712,000.
Compiled by Deloitte Access Economics for AIMS, the 10th biennial Index draws on data from the 2021-22 and 2022-23 financial years. It attributes the surge to a rebound in domestic tourism and an expanding natural gas sector.
In FY23, the industry contributed $203 billion in total value added, equal to 9.1% of GDP. That comprised $140 billion generated directly across 19 industries and a further $63 billion in indirect value added across 109 upstream industry groups.
AIMS chief executive Professor Selina Stead said the Index demonstrated the scale of the sector’s footprint. “This report underscores the important role of marine science by research agencies such as AIMS in delivering independent high-quality scientific information to inform evidenced-based decision-making,” she said.
“AIMS, in collaboration with partners, is ensuring the sustainable growth of marine industries and the protection of the ecosystems that underpin the value of the marine economy, by providing access to the best available data. Our oceans, estuaries, and connected waterways not only support thriving ecosystems but underpin industries that generate billions for the Australian economy, supporting several thousands of jobs and wider cultural and social benefits. The report illustrates the marine industry growth was propelled by expansion of the natural gas industry and domestic tourism after COVID-19 travel restrictions. The increase in jobs was fuelled by the return of international visitors and strong pent-up domestic tourism demand, as well as growth in the natural gas industry and water transport services.”
Between FY21 and FY23, output from natural gas and offshore oil exploration and extraction rose 12% to $122 billion, accounting for more than half of total marine industry output. Marine tourism and recreational activities were the second-largest contributor and expanded 65% over the same period as the visitor economy recovered from the pandemic.
“Not only has the marine industry grown since the last Index, but it has grown significantly in the past decade,” Professor Stead said. “Compared with financial year 2012-13 economic output, adjusted for inflation, the marine industry grew to be 1.8 times larger in 2022-23.”
The report also emphasises the broader “blue economy”, highlighting environmental, cultural and social benefits. AIMS notes that in 2021, coastal protection provided by mangroves and saltmarshes was valued at $228 billion and helped safeguard 280,000 people. Australia hosts 12% of the world’s blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses that sequester carbon.
AIMS pointed to recent applications of its science, including environmental assessments that enabled maintenance dredging to proceed at Darwin Port, research showing increased coral trout populations within no-take marine reserves benefiting recreational fishers, and guideline values to help alumina refineries operate while protecting nearby marine ecosystems.
“This edition of the Index explores the blue economy, highlighting opportunities to align economic goals with sustainability,” Professor Stead said. “It also examines the broader cultural, social and environmental benefits of marine environments, such as coastal protection from mangroves and saltmarshes.”
AIMS said it launched its Strategy 2040 yesterday, outlining a vision for “thriving oceans through trusted science and innovation” in support of Australia’s growing marine economy and sustainable livelihoods.
