From 2 to 6 June 2025, the Limfjord region in Northern Jutland, Denmark, became a dynamic classroom for the Governance of the Blue Economy Training School, hosted by the EU COST Action RethinkBlue (CA22122) in collaboration with Aalborg University and the LOA Foundation. Taking place aboard the historic LOA barquentine, the course offered participants a unique, hands-on learning experience at sea—blending academic inquiry with the practical realities of sailing and navigation.
The training school brought together emerging researchers and professionals from across Europe, representing disciplines including law, economics, sociology, and natural sciences. Participants explored critical themes in blue economy governance, such as fisheries management, marine spatial planning, community participation, and interdisciplinary approaches to ocean research and policy.
The programme also featured on-shore visits to key sites that exemplify blue governance in action:
- In Løgstør, participants toured the historic Frederik VII Canal, once a vital artery for regional maritime trade.
- At the Danish Shellfish Centre in Nykøbing Mors, they engaged with scientists leading innovations in sustainable aquaculture.
- In Lemvig, a visit to the Klimatorium—an award-winning climate innovation hub—highlighted cutting-edge work in climate adaptation and water technology.
- Tours of the Port of Thyborøn and the Port of Aalborg showcased the region’s role in fisheries, offshore logistics, and sustainable industrial development.
Participants also boarded an offshore energy support vessel and held technical discussions with a Danish underwater surveying firm central to offshore wind development—offering first-hand insight into the operational dimensions of the energy transition at sea.
Sessions with representatives from the Danish Geodata Agency and the Danish Coastal Authority further enriched the programme. These national bodies provided perspectives on the role of state institutions in spatial planning, shoreline protection, and resilience building in blue governance.
Reflecting on the week, Assistant Professor Nelson F. Coelho, course coordinator from Aalborg University’s Centre for Blue Governance, remarked:
“This training school offered a truly immersive environment for participants to explore the multifaceted nature of Blue Economy governance. Learning together at sea and on land sparked collaboration, critical thinking, and a shared sense of purpose in addressing future challenges.”
Earlier this year, RethinkBlue also held another training school, in Rhodes, Greece, about Sustainable Impact Assessment in Islands and Coastal Regions.
The RethinkBlue COST Action (CA22122) aims to advance knowledge on the social and ecological dimensions of the Blue Economy. Through initiatives like this training school, the project fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and promotes sustainable, integrated governance of Europe’s marine and coastal spaces.
