06/04/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 6 April, the European Commission published a report on the achievements and potential of the blue economy. Less than five years since the adoption of the strategy, the progress is tangible: 50% of tidal energy and about 60% of wave energy developers are located in the EU. Medical science has at least 15 novel compounds obtained from the sea to treat, among others, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Sea-floor maps developed are being used to forecast storms and save lives. The production value of seafood farmed in the EU is up 40% in the past decade and the cruise industries are also on the rise. A conference on blue growth will be held in Malta on 20 April. (LC)