Introduction In recent years, blue entrepreneurship has increasingly gained attention as a key factor in driving sustainable development within marine-based industries (Obi, 2021). At the heart of this concept is the idea that innovative business practices within ocean-related sectors such as aquaculture can lead to both economic growth and environmental preservation (Adeola & Adesanya, 2022). Despite the vast potential of the blue economy, particularly in aquaculture, Nigeria’s marine-based industries continue to face substantial challenges that hinder their contribution to sustainable development. The study explored the impact of blue entrepreneurship on sustainable development within selected aquaculture firms in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Specifically, the research focused on assessing the effects of marine biotechnology, pollution and plastic waste management, and marine resource-based entrepreneurship training on sustainability. Materials and methods/Methodology. The research adopted a quantitative approach with a sample of 332 respondents drawn from aquaculture firms. Stratified sampling was used to determine the sample, and data were analyzed using regression analysis to evaluate the relationships among the variables. Results and discussion The regression results revealed that marine biotechnology had a significant positive effect on sustainable development (β=0.47,p<0.05\beta = 0.47, p < 0.05β=0.47,p<0.05), indicating that biotechnological advancements enhance operational sustainability in aquaculture. Pollution and plastic waste management also showed a substantial influence (β=0.32,p<0.05\beta = 0.32, p < 0.05β=0.32,p<0.05), suggesting that effective waste management practices support the long-term environmental viability of aquaculture operations. Moreover, resource-based entrepreneurship training contributed positively to sustainable practices (β=0.29,p<0.05\beta = 0.29, p < 0.05β=0.29,p<0.05), highlighting the role of skill development in promoting sustainable aquaculture. Conclusions Based on the ANOVA result, it is sufficient to arrive at a conclusion that Blue Entrepreneurship has significant effect on Sustainable Development in selected aquaculture firms in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This is in line with the studies of Greco and Cinquegrani (2016), Duarte et al. (2020), and Anastas and Warner (2019), which concluded that Blue Entrepreneurship has significant impact on Sustainable Development. In line with the results of the findings, it was recommended that Ogun Fisheries and Aquaculture Farmers Association (OGFAFA) and Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) should maintain high and accurate utilized Marine Biotechnology and also develop biotechnology solutions that improve aquaculture, such as bioengineered feeds, probiotics, and disease-resistant marine organisms. Furthermore, OGFAFA and OGWAMA should regularly conduct Marine Pollution and Plastic Waste Management and Collaborate with policymakers to establish stricter regulations for waste disposal and plastic use reduction. Also, OGFAFA and OGWAMA should integrate business and entrepreneurship modules into marine biology and environmental studies. Keywords Aquaculture, Blue Entrepreneurship, Marine Biotechnology, Pollution Management, Sustainable Development
Kazeem Gbenga A., Omojaro Anthony O.