The blue economy is a term used recently to emphasize the sustainable utilization of marine resources, spanning fisheries, energy and international trade, among other aspects. As a contribution to the policy discussions, this paper uses a regional public goods framework to analyze several cases of international cooperation to ensure more successful and sustained outcomes in the blue economy. The main lessons include the use of financing and burden-sharing mechanisms, and the importance of joint research and producing credible data and information for conducting collaborative policy-making and, if necessary, settling disputes. Some solutions benefit from clear delineation of territories, but need not hinge on this element alone. The analysis herein offers possible avenues for exploring arrangements that promote a “blue economy” approach to the management of natural resource wealth.