Posted on June, 07 2025

Degradation of marine ecosystems—especially beyond key ecological tipping points—constitutes a systemic risk with potentially far-reaching implications for capital markets, asset valuations, and macroeconomic resilience.

Key ocean assets are valued at an estimated US$24 trillion. If the sustainable ocean economy were considered a nation, its annual gross value added (GVA) of US$2.5 trillion would make it the world’s eighth-largest economy.



This briefing underscores the growing recognition that ocean-related environmental risks—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation—are material to macroeconomic and financial stability. It builds on existing frameworks for climate- and nature-related financial risks, with a specific focus on the ocean, and outlines key transmission channels through which these risks may impact the financial system. 

In addition, the brief offers initial insights into the financial system’s exposure to ocean-related nature risks and presents targeted recommendations for central banks and financial regulators. It is intended to inform the integration of oceanic natural capital into prudential risk assessment, supervisory frameworks, and sustainable finance policy strategies—enhancing the financial sector’s capacity to address nature-related systemic risks.

A comprehensive Guide for central banks and financial regulators is scheduled for release later this year, providing medium-term recommendations to support central banks in assessing and managing ocean-related risks. The guide will focus on strategies to mitigate financial drivers contributing to ocean degradation, align central bank operations with ocean-positive outcomes, and facilitate the transition toward a Sustainable Blue Economy through monetary, supervisory, and policy tools.