Chances are good that over Labor Day holiday, you contributed to what’s called the blue economy.

Whether you went fishing with the kids, enjoyed time at the beach or just ordered mullet at a local eatery, you were part of a multi-billion-dollar industry vital to the well being of our community.

While our region depends heavily on the $11.8-billion economic impact of the Sarasota Bay, research shows that additional attention focused on our natural blue resources could result in exponential returns on our investment.