Habitat Protection Archives

OCEANA contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the “Multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the Western Mediterranean Sea”

The entry into force of the new European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in 2014 was an historic benchmark as it defines the path towards European Union (EU) stocks recovery mainly through Multiannual Management Plans (MAP). These should be aimed at rebuilding stocks to Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) levels and implementing an ecosystem-based approach to fishing … Read more

1400 km2 in the Balearic Islands protected from destructive fishing

Oceana welcomes the creation of fishing protected areas in the Menorca Channel, and the modest expansion of another area to the east of Cabrera Archipelago National Park. These areas will allow the conservation of coralligenous formations and rhodolith beds, habitats formed by calcareous red algae in which many species feed and reproduce, and which are … Read more

1,400 square kilometers in the Balearic Islands protected from destructive fishing

After four years of Oceana’s campaigning for increased protections, Spain announced a ban on bottom trawling and other destructive fishing methods in a 1,400 square kilometer region between Mallorca and Menorca. The Spanish government also expanded the protected area in Fort d’en Moreu, a vibrant reef to the east of Cabrera that has been threatened … Read more

Oceana’s first North Sea expedition concludes after documenting richness of habitats and threats to marine life

The results from the two-month, at-sea study will be used to strengthen marine protection in the region. Oceana has today completed its first-ever expedition in the North Sea, during which marine scientists have surveyed waters of the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Norway and Denmark, on-board the MV Neptune. Since the expedition launch two months ago, Oceana … Read more

European Commission turns its back on the Baltic cod overfishing crisis

Oceana states that EU Commission fishing limits proposal only follows scientific advice when economically convenient whilst ignoring environmental sustainability priorities when it implies short-term sacrifices. Today, the European Commission (EC) has published its annual proposal for fishing limits (“total allowable catches” or TACs) for the Baltic Sea in 2017. The proposal should be based on … Read more

Oceana research reveals high biodiversity at risk in British waters of the North Sea

The marine conservation group’s first ever at-sea surveys in the UK have already recorded 350+ species, many of which found in areas threatened by human activity. Oceana has just completed the UK leg of its eight-week North Sea expedition, and the preliminary results emphasise the wealth of marine biodiversity present in this region. To date, … Read more

Action not words for future of Mediterranean swordfish

Mediterranean swordfish plummet to 30% after three decades of overfishing. Oceana urges EU Member States sharing Mediterranean waters to take the reins and set out a robust action plan. On the occasion of the Mediterranean Swordfish Stock Assessment Session Meeting, scientists from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) met in Casablanca, … Read more

Oceana launches a new interactive display for El Hierro seabeds

Oceana has collected hundreds of photos, videos and maps of its expedition in El Hierro waters to promote the creation of Spain’s first-ever marine National Park. Oceana has launched a new viewer with information and images from the depths of the island of El Hierro. All the material comes from the expedition carried out in … Read more

Oceana celebrates deep-sea trawling ban covering 4.9 million km2

This afternoon, after 4 years of on-and-off negotiations, the European Commission, European Parliament and Council of the EU have announced a final agreement on new regulation for deep-sea fisheries in the North-East Atlantic. In a preliminary reaction, and pending final details of the agreement, Oceana warmly welcomes this clear step forward in the management of … Read more

Viaje a las profundidades de El Hierro

La situación geográfica de El Hierro hace que en ella recalen especies migratorias como numerosos cetáceos, tortugas y tiburones. Pero, además, tiene características propias frente a otras islas del archipiélago canario. Sus aguas son más cálidas y atraen a especies como manos de muerto, ctenóforos, y gorgonia árbol naranja. Sin embargo, aún queda mucho por … Read more