A deep-water crinoid Leptometra celtica bed off the Portuguese south coast

Abstract The existence of a wide bed of the crinoid Leptometra celtica (M’Andrew and Barrett 1857), at approximately 500 m depth, off the Portuguese south coast is inferred from remotely operated vehicle (ROV) transects carried out as part of a research project (IMPACT) aimed at evaluating the impact of bottom trawling on the burrowing crustacean Norway … Read more

Oceana report unveils hidden shark catches

A new report by Oceana, based on Hong Kong shark fin trade data and other sources, has revealed that up to 24 countries may be catching sharks in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea but failing to report these catches, as is legally required by the Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The … Read more

Meet the Goldsinny Wrasse

The Goldsinny Wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris) usually lives in highly vegetated areas  in Kattegat,  the Danish Belts, and sometimes all the way up to Estonia. The little bright orange fish can usually be recognized by a black spot located right between the dorsal fin and the tail. They feed on bryozoans, crustaceans and gastropods. Interestingly enough, … Read more

Oceana: Holistic approach crucial to Baltic Sea management

Today, experts, industry and fisheries managers from around the EU are meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania to discuss how to best to manage the various activities in European marine waters. Oceana, a presenter at the event, argues that special attention must be given to the value of sensitive ecosystems, both from an economic and environmental perspective, … Read more

Oceana proposes to improve the order for the protection of the Channel of Menorca and the canyons in the Gulf of Lions

The proposal is based on the inclusion of European fisheries regulations governing the protection of vulnerable Mediterranean ecosystems. Oceana has submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA) a series of representations regarding the Draft Ministerial Order proposing the declaration of 4 new Sites of Community Importance (SCI). The representations are directed at … Read more

Alexandra Cousteau to Bauzá: There is still time for this regional government to be the one that expands the Cabrera park

Oceana demonstrates its willingness to work with the Regional Government, the scientific institutions and the fishing industry to protect the waters around the park. Oceana has released a message from Alexandra Cousteau in which the granddaughter of the famous explorer reminds the president of the Balearic Regional Government of his promise to study the expansion … Read more

Baltic Sea MPAs: protected only on paper

Dumping, marine constructions and aquaculture are the most commonly forbidden activities in Baltic Sea marine protected areas (MPAs). Yet, a recent HELCOM report reveals that eutrophication, commercial fishing and pollution have a greater damaging impact. Oceana is deeply concerned that authorities have made little to no progress in developing plans to address the real threats … Read more

Why preserving deep-sea corals is good for fish (and for us)

We often see it on TV – beautiful tropical coral reefs with sun rays travelling through blue water and colourful fish swimming around happily. But what happens hundreds of metres below the surface? Well, basically the same thing – except the image is that of cold water coral reefs in total darkness with stranger looking … Read more