Remembering Cousteau

Today marks 15 years since the death of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a name that is synonymous with the ocean. This French conservationist, diver, filmmaker, author, photographer (and the list goes on) is responsible for educating millions around the world about the wonders of the world’s oceans – and today, we want to honor that legacy and … Read more

Europe turns a blind eye to loss of most productive, profitable ecosystems

This World Oceans Day (June 8), Oceana sounds the alarm on the rapid retreat of European underwater forests from climate change and irresponsible human activities. Every year the loss of thousands of acres of these ecosystems and the consequent damage to hundreds of species goes unnoticed. The international marine conservation organization is calling on EU … Read more

Oceana calls on stronger baltic Government controls and enforcement of fisheries and marine protected areas measures

Oceana strongly asserts that a dedicated approach by authorities must be used to end illegal fishing activities in the Baltic, and to strengthen and enforce regulations in Marine Protected Areas. The international marine conservation organization is pleased with the information provided by HELCOM in early May, which shows that the reduction of oil spills in … Read more

Oceana selects Klints bank and east of Gotland as a location for offshore protected area

Swedish government urged to protect vital species and ecosystems. Oceana has identified Klints Bank and the area East of Gotland as one of the locations in need to protection. As part of its 2012 Baltic Expedition, the marine conservation organization has been conducting extensive research in the past few days to bolster data collected in … Read more

23 Nations Support Shark Conservation in the Mediterranean

For the first time in its 60-year history, the FAO’s General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean took action for shark protection. The Commission adopted measures for the management and conservation of sharks and rays in the Mediterranean, the region of highest risk in the world for these fishes. Twenty-three Mediterranean countries endorsed a proposal from … Read more

Oceana brings MedNET proposal to Albania

Oceana last week presented MedNet, a proposal for a network of 100 marine protected areas in the Mediterranean, to the scientific community at the International Conference on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems, MarCoastEcos2012. The conference addressed the protection of marine and coastal areas, and other important issues related to the preservation of ecosystem functioning, climate change, … Read more

One step closer to a complete EU ban on shark finning

While shark finning has technically been banned in the EU since 2003, a number of loopholes remain. Some countries grant special permits that allow fishing vessels to remove shark fins on board, on the basis that they keep both fins and meat and that landed fins do not exceed 5% of the live weight of … Read more

Oceana and the city of Helsingborg join forces to protect the marine environment in the swedish Sound

Oceana, the largest international marine conservation organization, and the city of Helsingborg, Sweden, joined forces in order to enhance the protection of the sensitive benthic habitats in the northern part of the Sound. The area, known to be an important home to many commercial fish, like cod and flounder, boasts a high diversity of species … Read more

Baltic Expedition 2012 – We’re off!

You may remember last year around this time, we launched our first ever expedition into the Baltic Sea. It’s that time of year again! Our chartered research vessel, the Hanse Explorer, set sail yesterday. Our team will spend two months covering 7,000 miles through the waters of the nine countries bordering the Baltic Sea (Denmark, … Read more

Seven marine paradises become Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance

What does this mean? Being awarded SPAMI status means that the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention have granted these places the highest possible protection within the treaty, committing to observe the protection and conservation measures that affect them. The new 7 additions to the list are: The Blue Coast Marine Park (France), The Embiez … Read more