France: "We need a paradigm shift towards a regenerative blue economy" (Catherine Chabaud)

"We need to change the paradigm, by advocating the concept of a regenerative blue economy that goes beyond simply reducing" the pressures on biodiversity, by also valuing "the positive impacts", said Catherine Chabaud, the French Minister for the Sea and Fisheries, on 11/12/2026.

She was appearing before the French National Assembly's Sustainable Development Committee to discuss her 2024-2030 roadmap.

"I am very much in favour of developing marine energies, not only offshore wind power, but also tidal power, wave power and ocean thermal energy, particularly in our overseas territories", she continued.

While acknowledging the negative impact on ecosystems and the seabed "during the construction phase", the Minister nevertheless believes that these "maritime infrastructures can become places reserved for biodiversity, whether it be on land-based or floating wind farms".

On the subject of plastic pollution and waste on the high seas, the Minister indicates that a "systemic vision is necessary", calling on all the public policies under the responsibility of the State or local authorities…