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Australian Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion Economic Output

Significant Growth Driven by Tourism and Natural Gas Sectors

Australian Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion Economic Output?w=400

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The Australian marine industry has achieved a remarkable economic milestone, reaching an output of $229 billion in 2023.
This represents a 19% increase compared to two years prior, as reported by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
The surge is primarily attributed to the resurgence of domestic tourism and the expansion of the natural gas sector.

According to the 2025 AIMS Index of Marine Industry, the marine sector now contributes $203 billion in total value added, equivalent to 9.1% of Australia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This includes $140 billion generated across 19 industries and an additional $63 billion in indirect value added across 109 upstream industry groups.

The growth in the marine industry has also led to a significant increase in employment, with full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs rising by 52% to 712,000. This underscores the sector's vital role in supporting the Australian economy and providing employment opportunities across various regions.

The resurgence of domestic tourism has played a crucial role in this growth, as Australians have increasingly turned to local travel and marine-related activities. Additionally, the expansion of the natural gas industry has contributed substantially to the economic output, highlighting the diverse nature of the marine sector's contributions.

These figures highlight the resilience and potential of Australia's marine industry. Continued investment and support for this sector are essential to sustain its growth trajectory and further enhance its contribution to the national economy.

Published:Monday, 9th Mar 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

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Knowledgebase
Yield:
The income return on an investment, such as the interest or dividends received from holding a particular security.