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
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
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
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
Málaga, Spain – Mediterranean countries have missed a crucial opportunity to extend deep-sea protection from destructive fisheries at the annual meeting of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). Oceana and MedReAct regret this inaction, as GFCM regional pilot studies have demonstrated the ecological benefits of extending the current ban on bottom trawling below 1000 m depth, and the minimum costs for … Read more
Full text (in Spanish) of the Marine Strategies presented by the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge “It is good news that Spain has included a commitment to strictly protect 10% of its waters by 2030 in its plan to comply with the European Union’s Marine Strategies. This is the first time that … Read more
(Excerpt of the original article in Danish, written by Dyrenes Beskyttelse). Quite close to the coast east of Anholt lies an area which with large mountains and deep river valleys that reminds us of an underwater version of the Grand Canyon, but with equally rich nature. With depths up to 130 meters, colourful stone reefs, … Read more
The new areas, characterised by their vulnerable species and sensitive habitats, cover a total protected area of 17,000 km2 Oceana has been fighting for years to protect many of these areas through scientific expeditions and political advocacy Oceana welcomes the approval by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of five new marine protected … Read more
Oceana celebrates the ratification of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement, also called High Seas Treaty). Vera Coelho, Oceana’s Deputy Vice President in Europe, said: “Today we celebrate the 60th ratification of the High Seas Treaty by Morocco, which means this groundbreaking international agreement will enter into force … Read more
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We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.
Oceana in Europe gratefully acknowledges EU funding support.
