The Blue Economy
Port Alberni is an ocean community and intent on being a responsible and respectful participant in the Blue Economy, which is defined by the World Bank as the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem."
We respectfully acknowledge that Blue Economy work being done here is in the traditional unceded territories of ćišaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) First Nation and Hupačasath First Nation.
The Ocean Communities Climate Challenge
In Spring 2023 the City of Port Alberni, in partnership with the City of Rimouski QC and the District of the Municipality of Yarmouth NS, and led by Ocean Startup Project, invited innovators and entrepreneurs to share their ideas to mitigate the impacts of climate change by helping to solve a coastal sustainability or climate challenge. Four teams were selected to receive a cash award and other resources to move forward with their ideas.
Our congratulations to the winners!
- Ocean Aid (BC): Harnessing the power of sonar and AI to detect and map locations of ghost fishing gear underwater so that it can be retrieved
- BioLabMate (NL): Replacing single-use plastic waste from research labs and medical facilities, using ocean-based materials for a greener future
- Aquarius (QC): Developing a technology to avoid trawler seabed scraping and reduce fuel consumption in the fishery industry
- Project R3D (NL): Recycling ocean plastic waste to produce filament for 3D printers
Leaders in the Blue Economy





Action Packed Charters
Alberni inlet charter excursions offered by Action Packed Charters.
Alberni Charters
Alberni Charters is one of Vancouver Island's finest private charter companies. Barkley Sound fishing charters and scenic tour offered aboard our 34 foot CHB Trawler.
Island Rhino Surfboards
Island Rhino/Totally Board Surf Co. is a complete outfitter for surf, skate, and SUP, offering custom, hand-shaped surfboards and skateboards. Includes a retail space carrying sports equipment, accessories, and boutique brand clothing and shoes.
Maritime Discovery Centre
The Maritime Discovery Centre preserves and presents the maritime heritage of the West Coast area through exhibitions, historic signage, events and restoration projects.
Windrider Kiteboarding
Located at China Creek Marina, Windrider Kiteboading offers kiteboarding lessons, equipment and apparel.
Global Perspective on The Blue Economy
- Government of Canada - Blue Economy Strategy
"Canada has an opportunity to harness its ocean growth potential by building back better—and bluer. Growing a sustainable blue economy requires a strategy to create jobs in coastal communities while ensuring our oceans remain healthy." - The World Bank - The Blue Economy
"According to the OECD, oceans contribute $1.5 trillion annually in value-added to the overall economy and this number could reach $3 trillion by 2030." - The United Nations - Oceans as the Next Great Economic Frontier
"40% of the world’s population live near coastal areas, more than 3 billion people utilize the oceans for their livelihood, and 80% of world trade is achieved using the seas."
