The history of Cape Cod’s economy relates directly to the surrounding bodies of water (the Blue in Blue Economy) and the marine life therein. The peninsula got its current name in 1602 from Bartholomew Gosnold, an English explorer who was awed by the abundance of codfish in the surrounding waters. In the early to mid-1800’s the peninsula was a hub of the whaling industry.
What is the Blue Economy?
Blue Economy is a sustainable and balanced way to grow our economy that focuses on protecting and promoting our water and coastal resources.
Water as our Way of Life™
Recognizing that the Cape Cod region’s environment is its economy, the Blue Economy balances our economic and environmental health, creates a new regional identity focused on pride in our water and coastal resources, and supports a sustainable year-around economy for its residents.
We define the Blue Economy as...
A sustainable and balanced way to grow our economy that focuses on protecting and promoting our water and coastal resources.
Cape Cod's Blue Economy Today
Today, marine research and preservation organizations based in the region are globally recognized for their contributions to science and technology. Cape Cod and the surrounding region is best known for being a beautiful, natural place for vacationers from around the world.
You can learn more about the overall economy of Cape Cod by visiting our Economic Dashboard.
Further highlighting the region’s dependency on surrounding waterways, Cape Cod’s most utilized mass-transit are ferries.
The Future of Cape Cod's Blue Economy
As a community, we have the opportunity to invest in and shape our future regional blue economy. At the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, we are working with our partners, local businesses, municipalities, educators, and community members to nurture the future of Cape Cod's Blue Economy.
Our efforts are focused in these key areas:
- Education and Workforce Development
- Regional Industry Identity and Business Development
- Balance of Healthy Ecosystems and a Health Economy
Explore our site, reach out to us to get involved, and come along with us on our journey into the future!
What’s the future you imagine?
Where do you fit into the future of Cape Cod's Blue Economy? Our site invites you to explore, learn, invest, and share all things blue economy. Join us as we explore to possibilities together.