Booming domestic tourism and increased natural gas activity have contributed to an almost 20 percent jump in the value of Australia’s multi-billion-dollar marine sector.
A new report from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) found the marine industry’s economic output was $229 billion in 2023.
AIMS CEO Professor Selina Stead said that figure reflected a 19 percent growth compared with two years ago, with the sector also supporting a 52 percent increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs to 712,000.
“This growth was predominantly driven by rebounding domestic tourism and an expanding natural gas industry,” Professor Stead said.
She said between FY21 and FY23, the economic output of natural gas, offshore oil exploration and extraction sector had grown by 12 percent – reaching $122 billion in output and comprising more than half of the marine industry’s economic output.
“The second largest sector by economic output was marine tourism and recreational activities, which grew 65 percent over the same period, reflecting the recovery of the tourism industry following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Professor Stead said the 2025 AIMS Index of Marine Industry report highlighted the scale of the marine industry’s economic footprint, showcasing its growing contribution to the Australian economy.
“Our oceans, estuaries, and connected waterways not only support thriving ecosystems but underpin industries that generate billions for the Australian economy, supporting several thousands of jobs and wider cultural and social benefits.
“Not only has the marine industry grown since the last Index, but it has grown significantly in the past decade.
“Compared with financial year 2012-13 economic output, adjusted for inflation, the marine industry grew to be 1.8 times larger in 2022-23.”
Read the full report: 2025 AIMS Index of Marine Industry.
