Economic Potentials and Sustainability Challenges in Marine Resource Management in the Ionian and Adriatic Region: An Empirical Analysis of the Tourism, Fisheries, and Maritime Transport Sectors

This study analysed the economic potentials and sustainability challenges in marine resource management across the Ionian and Adriatic region, focusing on the tourism, fisheries, and maritime transport sectors. The research used a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative economic analysis with sustainability assessment frameworks to examine the complex interrelationships between economic development and environmental conservation. Data from 2019 to 2024 were collected from international databases, regional reports, and field studies across eight countries bordering these seas. Results revealed significant economic dependence on marine resources, with tourism contributing 18 – 24% to coastal economies, fisheries supporting many livelihoods despite declining stocks, and maritime transport experiencing 7.3% annual growth. Identified sustainability challenges included tourism seasonality, overfishing, and transport-related pollution. Countries showed varying management effectiveness, with governance integration scores ranging from 0.34 to 0.81, directly correlating with both economic and environmental performance. Integrated coastal zone management achieved 34% better environmental outcomes while maintaining economic benefits. Maritime Spatial Planning emerged as the most effective integration tool, improving economic performance by 18.4% and environmental indicators by 23.6% compared to areas lacking such frameworks. Multi-sectoral cooperation initiatives reduced resource conflicts by 27%, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement. The research confirmed that balancing economic growth and environmental protection requires region-specific governance frameworks tailored to local conditions. These findings contribute to understanding the complexities of marine resource management in semi-enclosed seas by identifying governance mechanisms that effectively balance economic needs with ecological limits while reducing cross-sectoral conflicts in spatially constrained marine environments, informing stakeholder decisions toward sustainable blue economy development.