Oceana calls on commissioner Costas Kadis to develop a strong Ocean Deal 

In response to the parliamentary hearing of Costas Kadis as EU commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Vera Coelho, Deputy Vice President for Oceana in Europe, stated:  We congratulate Commissioner-designate Costas Kadis on successfully navigating his hearing in the European Parliament. He demonstrated his extensive science and policy background, and showed a solid understanding of the … Read more

#RethinkFisheries and EU “Marine not-so protected areas”

The 2024 edition of EU Ocean Week  took place in October, just after the EU elections, with new political forces in the European Commission and Parliament emerging in Brussels. The next Von der Leyen Commission (2024-2029) is placing Europe’s economic competitiveness at the centre of its political priorities and this will also be reflected in … Read more

Ocean Week, a week to save Europe’s seas

October 2024 marked a trailblazing moment in EU policy as we unveiled the updated Blue Manifesto during EU Ocean Week. This roadmap, endorsed by over 140 organisations, lays out clear steps to secure a healthy ocean by 2030. As ocean lovers, we know just how important it is to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Now, … Read more

Von der Leyen’s mission letter to new EU Commissioner-Designate for the Ocean sparks concerns that ocean health may only exist on paper

Leading Brussels-based ‘blue NGOs’ congratulate Costas Kadis on his appointment as Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans, but raise concerns over the direction set by the mission letter published today by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Birdlife Europe & Central Asia, ClientEarth, Oceana, Seas at Risk, Surfrider Europe, and the WWF European Policy Office consider … Read more

Von der Leyen mission letter to new EU Commissioner for the Ocean must outline a clear, overarching strategy for a healthy ocean

What’s happening? As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is about to publish mission letters to the newly-designated EU Commissioners, Brussels-based marine NGOs (Birdlife Europe & Central Asia, ClientEarth, Oceana, Seas At Risk, Surfrider Europe, and the WWF European Policy Office) call on her to outline a clear, overarching mission to the new EU … Read more

Oceana’s reaction to the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen

In response to the election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, Oceana issued the following statement: “Oceana congratulates Ursula von der Leyen on being re-appointed as President of the European Commission. The announcement of a European Oceans Pact is a welcome first step, because a healthy and productive ocean is … Read more

Journey towards a healthy ocean

After the 2024 European elections, Oceana calls on EU decision-makers to: Adopt an EU Ocean Deal. Create an EU Ocean Fund. Put the ocean at the heart of decision-making. Ensure the full implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. Support a just transition towards low-impact fishing. Stop destructive fishing in coastal and marine protected areas. Improve … Read more