Oceana is deeply disappointed in the Danish Government’s recent approval of blue mussel fisheries inside two Natura 2000 sites in the Limfjord, Denmark. This decision puts both areas, which have been protected to conserve ecologically important reef habitats, in jeopardy. Oceana recommends that Denmark and other EU countries prohibit destructive fishing methods, such as dredging … Read more
We took a huge step forward today, with the Fisheries Committee vote on the EU shark finning ban. The Committee voted to close major loopholes in the ban, which allowed some countries (namely Spain and Portugal) to land sharks with their fins already removed from their body, in separate ports, at separate times (making it … Read more
Oceana commends the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament, for supporting a strict ban on shark finning in EU waters, and on EU vessels worldwide. Their report, which was voted on this morning in Brussels, recommends closing several loopholes in the current European policy on finning, by removing an exemption that allowed some vessels to … Read more
Oceana urges the European Parliament Fisheries Committee to vote tomorrow in favour of a strict European ban on shark finning, which would require all sharks to be landed with their fins still attached. Although shark finning has theoretically been prohibited in the EU since 2003, loopholes in the current legislation make the ban practically impossible … Read more
They are often beautiful, but also dangerous. Invasive species are increasingly common on land and at sea, and in many cases their presence in inappropriate places has to do with human activities. Some arrive in ballast water from visiting vessels, others escape from aquariums or travel through artificial channels, and their stocks are expanding and … Read more
Next week, the Fisheries Committee of European Parliament will vote to put in place a complete shark finning ban – a measure that the industry claims will cost them € 9.4 million. According to an analysis by Oceana, Spanish and Portuguese surface longliners that are authorised to remove shark fins on board vessels received more … Read more
It’s not looking good for habitat and species protection in the Mediterranean, a big deadline is coming up and EU Member States from the region are failing to meet their obligations, despite the looming threat of financial penalties. But let me rewind a bit, to give you a bit of background. The Habitats Directive is … Read more
In the past few weeks, shark attacks in Reunion and more recently in Australia have prompted calls on authorities to kill sharks to protect surfers and swimmers. Since it’s such a touchy subject, we asked our shark expert, Allison Perry, her thoughts, which we wanted to share with you: “It’s important to keep in mind … Read more
Even ships more than 40 m long have been seen in Caló de s’Oli, the most sensitive area in Ses Salines, with the greatest restrictions on anchoring. Since late June, Oceana has constantly surveyed the ships anchoring in the Natural Park of Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera, by means of ship monitoring systems and satellite … Read more
The Habitats Directive is the most important EU environmental legislation, requiring EU Member States to protect specific habitat types by incorporating them into a network of protected areas (both on land and at sea) called Natura 2000. But it’s not looking like every country is going to meet their requirements. In the Canary Islands for … 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.
