Navigating the nexus between blue economy and food security through bibliometric analysis

The blue economy and food security are interconnected domains gaining significant attention due to their combined potential to address global sustainability challenges. This study is unique in its approach, offering the first comprehensive exploration of the nexus between the blue economy and food security through a bibliometric analysis. Using a dataset of 2318 scholarly articles published from 1988 to 2022 in the Web of Science Core and Scopus databases, this research provides a meta-perspective on this field's thematic and temporal evolution. Advanced bibliometric techniques were employed to map emerging trends, identify critical knowledge gaps, and elucidate key themes and influential studies. The analysis reveals a paradigm shift from a fisheries and mariculture-centric perspective to a broader, more integrated understanding of social-ecological systems, sustainability transitions, and planetary health within the blue economy framework. Notable themes identified include "Food Security", "Aquaculture", "Fisheries", "Climate Change", and "Sustainability". At the same time, the research landscape highlights challenges like "Livelihoods," "Poverty", and "Vulnerability", alongside solutions involving "Governance", "Fisheries Management", and "Conservation". The results show a growing focus on sustainability and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. These approaches are essential to understanding the challenges and opportunities between blue economy sectors and food systems. This study also highlights key contributors, collaboration networks, and research clusters. These findings help us understand how resources are distributed and highlight areas that need more attention, especially the effects of blue economy practices on food security in various regions. Altogether, these insights can guide future research and policy development, moving us closer to sustainable practices and better policies at the intersection of the blue economy and food security.