Islands have unique assets and resources supported by the surrounding marine ecosystems including coral reefs, estuaries, open ocean, mangrove, and kelp forests. These ecosystems support fisheries and aquaculture operations island communities rely on for economic opportunities and subsistence fishing. Some island fisheries in certain locations can be vulnerable to overconsumption and overharvesting due to lack of regulations and enforcement. Islands should have access to the best available data and science to manage their marine resources, and should prioritize education and training to prepare islanders to manage fishing, recreation, and ecotourism businesses. Island communities need access to funding and resources to build marine economies that create jobs and help islands become more resilient.

Severe climate-induced issues including ocean acidification, coral bleaching, shellfish fragility and decline, eutrophication, and other water quality issues lead to more frequent fish kills and dead zones. In addition, climate change can cause significant damage to marine infrastructure like ports, docks, and transportation and trade hubs, making operating businesses inefficient and unsustainable. To create a sustainable marine economy, marine infrastructure must be built and retrofitted to withstand hurricanes, sea-level rise, and frequent flooding, and island marine economies must be managed and operated in ways that support growth and resilience.