Bordador - Blue Economy (ME Lab3)

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Marc Lyndon V.

Bordador
BSME 4A
BLUE ECONOMY
Blue economy is a term in economics relating to the exploitation, preservation
and regeneration of the marine environment. Its scope of interpretation varies among
organizations. However, the term is generally used in the scope of international
development when describing a sustainable development approach to coastal resources.
This can include a wide range of economic sectors, from the more
conventional fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, coastal, marine and maritime
tourism, or other traditional uses, to more emergent activities such as coastal renewable
energy, marine ecosystem services (i.e., blue carbon), seabed mining,
and bioprospecting.
The blue economy is all about using the ocean's resources responsibly. It's like using
an ATM – we take what we need, but we also make sure the bank stays healthy for future
generations. This means fishing without wiping out all the fish, harnessing wave power
without harming sea creatures, and keeping our beaches clean for tourists.
Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in developing technologies that support a
sustainable blue economy. Here are some exciting applications where their expertise
shines:
• Upgrading Fishing Gear: Mechanical engineers can
design more selective fishing gear that catches target
species while minimizing bycatch (unwanted fish or
marine animals). This could involve creating nets with
specific mesh sizes or developing automated sorting
systems on fishing vessels.
• Designing Desalination Plants: These plants
remove salt from seawater, providing clean drinking
water for coastal communities. Mechanical
engineers play a key role in designing efficient
pumps, filters, and membranes to optimize
desalination processes and reduce energy
consumption.
• Building Offshore Wind Farms: Wind turbines
harness wind energy to generate electricity.
Mechanical engineers design and build the massive
support structures that anchor these turbines to the
seabed, ensuring they withstand strong winds and
currents.
• Developing Underwater Robots: ROVs and AUVs
are used for various tasks like underwater
inspections of pipelines, maintenance of offshore
structures, and even ocean floor mapping.
Mechanical engineers create the robust mechanical
systems, manipulators (arms), and sensors that
allow these robots to operate effectively
underwater.
• Improving Aquaculture Systems: Mechanical
engineers design and build feeding systems that
automatically distribute food within fish farms,
reducing waste and ensuring optimal fish health.
Additionally, they create systems for efficiently
removing waste products, maintaining clean water
quality within the farms.

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