Fishing ports are strategic nodes that connect aquatic food systems, markets, services and communities. They are places where marine resources are landed, processed, traded and distributed, generating economic, social and environmental value at local, national and regional levels.
A blue port is a port that creates economic, social and environmental value while supporting sustainable and resilient aquatic food systems.
The Blue Ports Initiative (BPI) supports the transformation of fishing ports into engines of sustainable development. By improving port operations, infrastructure, governance and services, the initiative helps strengthen aquatic food value chains, enhance livelihoods, protect the environment and restore the biodiversity, and increase the benefits that ports generate for coastal communities.
Contributing to FAO's Blue Transformation, BPI promotes an integrated approach to port development that brings together governments, port authorities, fishers, private-sector actors, academia, development partners and local communities. Through this collaborative model, fishing ports can become hubs for sustainable investment, innovation and inclusive growth.
By connecting public priorities, private-sector engagement and community needs, ports can turn ideas into practical, measurable action. Innovation, entrepreneurship and technologies help improve aquatic food value chains while protecting ecosystems and natural resources.
What makes a blue port?
A blue port is where sustainable fisheries and port services work together
Improved landing, monitoring and documentation promote transparency, traceability and responsible resource use. They support compliance, quality, safer work, reduced losses, better market access and livelihoods, while protecting marine ecosystems and coastal economies.
A blue port is where investments in fisheries become investments in people
Blue ports create safer workplaces, better services and stronger opportunities for fishers, processors, vendors, port workers and families, while improving market access, livelihoods, employment, entrepreneurship, inclusion, food security and community resilience.
A blue port is where infrastructure supports efficient, safe and sustainable fisheries operations
Integrated landing sites, storage, ice plants, markets, processing and repair facilities improve product flow, quality and safety. Resilient, inclusive infrastructure reduces congestion, supports livelihoods and strengthens fisheries, trade, environmental performance and coastal development.
A blue port is where economic activity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand
Healthy marine ecosystems underpin long-term prosperity. Cleaner waters, protected habitats, resilient fish stocks, reduced pollution and responsible port practices help sustain biodiversity, food security, local economies and benefits for communities and future generations.
A blue port makes sustainability visible in daily operations
Waste can be managed, recovered and reused. Effective collection, sorting, treatment and recycling of plastics, fishing gear, organic waste and oils help ports prevent pollution, improve safety and protect marine and coastal environments.
A blue port is where fisheries, tourism and community life coexist sustainably
Shared coastal spaces can support fishing, tourism, recreation and local business. Clear planning and management reduce conflicts, protect the environment and create safer, welcoming areas that benefit communities, businesses, visitors and future generations.
A blue port is where the journey of aquatic foods continues beyond the quay
A blue port connects sea, city and markets, moving aquatic foods safely and efficiently, reducing losses and costs, supporting jobs and services, and easing congestion and environmental impacts through inclusive sustainable value chains.
A blue port is where people and institutions work together toward sustainability
Clear rules, coordination and participation make port development transparent, inclusive and accountable. By giving all users a voice, strong governance builds trust, reduces conflicts and supports resilient, sustainable decisions for present and future generations.