Habitat Protection Archives

Benthic habitats of Western mediterranean seamounts: Spatial modelling and environmental drivers

Abstract Seamounts are considered biodiversity hotspots that play a relevant role in deep-sea ecosystems. The LIFE IP INTEMARES project aimed to enhance scientific knowledge of the biodiversity and distribution of benthic species and habitats in the Mallorca Channel seamounts (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean): Ses Olives, Ausias March and Emile Baudot. This study develops habitat suitability … Read more

Spain’s National High Court Requests More Information in Oceana and ClientEarth Case on Bottom Trawling Impacts in Marine Protected Areas

The court asks environmental organisations to explain the evidence of the impact of bottom trawling in marine protected areas in the Cantabrian Sea and the Gulf of CádizDespite ongoing legal action, the Government continues issuing fishing authorisations in marine protected areas, contrary to national conservation laws Oceana and ClientEarth appeared today before Spain’s National High … Read more

The Azores Marine Park: a blueprint for Europe’s ocean ambition

At a time when global powers are stepping back from environmental commitments, the Azores have chosen a different path. An autonomous region of Portugal, this archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic has taken a bold step and set a standard that other European countries could do well to follow. Created in 2024, the … Read more

The Ocean Act Europes Ocean Regulation

This is a historic decade for the ocean. Political support for ocean regeneration has gained momentum internationally with the ratification of the High Seas Treaty and the commitments countries made at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice. The world’s top Courts, i.e. the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea and International Court … Read more

Cabrera National Park: what to do when a National Park loses marine life

Cabrera National Park is often presented as the flagship of marine conservation in the western Mediterranean Sea. The popularity of the waters around the Spanish island of Cabrera grew in 1977, after Jacques Cousteau turned his attention here and filmed its turquoise waters and rich marine life. Then, in 1991 it was designated as a national park – granting it, at least on paper, the highest level of legal protection, and making it the first such park in Spain to include marine ecosystems. Despite its long-protected status, a new study has documented a significant decline in marine biodiversity in Cabrera over … Read more

Implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation at sea

Climate change, overfishing and habitat degradation are among the primary drivers of declining marine biodiversity. Yet, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), which entered into force in August 2024, is the most important EU nature conservation law over 30 years and can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, reversing the loss of nature … Read more

Tools and approaches for mapping Marine Animal Forests: A practical overview for researchers and conservationists

Abstract Mapping marine animal forests (MAFs) is essential for understanding complex benthic ecosystems and supporting their conservation and management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of MAFs that can be mapped, focusing on both biological and substrate (sedimentary) data. We summarise the diverse platforms and technologies used to collect relevant data, … Read more

How MPAs increase resilience against climate change

The ocean is the planet’s largest ecosystem, playing a vital role in regulating our climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining human health. Yet, it is under increasing threat from human activities and the accelerating impacts of climate change. One of the most effective tools we have, to safeguard the ocean’s health and enhance its resilience is … Read more

ClientEarth and Oceana take Spanish government back to court over destructive bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas

The environmental organisations took legal action against Spain for repeatedly issuing new fishing licences in Marine Protected Areas, despite earlier legal complaints The NGOs warn that Spain’s international ocean protection commitments are meaningless as long as bottom trawling continues to be allowed in marine sanctuaries ClientEarth and Oceana brought the Spanish Government to court again … Read more

Benthic habitats of Western mediterranean seamounts: Spatial modelling and environmental drivers

Spain’s National High Court Requests More Information in Oceana and ClientEarth Case on Bottom Trawling Impacts in Marine Protected Areas

The Azores Marine Park: a blueprint for Europe’s ocean ambition

The Ocean Act Europes Ocean Regulation

Cabrera National Park: what to do when a National Park loses marine life

Implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation at sea

Tools and approaches for mapping Marine Animal Forests: A practical overview for researchers and conservationists

How MPAs increase resilience against climate change

ClientEarth and Oceana take Spanish government back to court over destructive bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas

Spain Designates Six New Marine Protected Areas

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