Youth participation in the blue economy is essential for innovation, sustainability, and intergenerational equity in ocean resource management. Globally, young people represent 1.2 billion individuals, or 16% of the population, making their involvement in sustainable sectors critical. However, structural barriers such as limited access to resources, education, and decision-making platforms impede their participation. This study presents a comparative analysis of policies and legal frameworks supporting youth participation in the blue economy, focusing on the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The EU employs structured mechanisms, such as the European Green Deal, Horizon Europe, and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), providing substantial financial and institutional support for youth-led marine initiatives. Meanwhile, ASEAN promotes community-driven approaches, as reflected in the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Blue Economy, which emphasizes localized youth participation in conservation and coastal livelihoods. Despite progress, challenges persist, including bureaucratic barriers in EU funding access and ASEAN’s lack of binding commitments and cohesive regional funding. Enforcement gaps and limited cross-regional collaboration further hinder impact. This study concludes with policy recommendations, including streamlining microgrant programs, embedding youth mandates in marine governance, and strengthening EU-ASEAN knowledge exchange. By fostering institutional support and cross-regional collaboration, both regions can empower youth to drive innovation and sustainability in the blue economy, ensuring resilient marine ecosystems and economic prosperity for future generations.