Habitat Protection Archives

Extensive use of habitat-damaging fishing gears inside habitat-protecting Marine Protected Areas

Bathyal megabenthic assemblages in the SE Iberian Peninsula (Western Mediterranean Sea)

Distributions of some poorly known Atlanto-Mediterranean deep-sea anthozoans in the Western Mediterranean

The cascade effect and trawling

We have all heard the term “cascade effect” used to refer to how a government decision, a war, a political event, or other situation impacts society, the economy, prices, and so on. This expression is also used in ecology to explain how human action, a catastrophic event, or a particular incident, for instance, can have … Read more

Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems found in a bathyal zone off the SE Iberian Peninsula (Western Mediterranean)

Habitat Suitability Models of a Critically Endangered Cold-water Coral, Isidella Elongata, in the Mallorca Channel

Abstract The bamboo coral Isidella elongata is often associated with a diverse community, including commercial fish species, playing an important role in the deep-sea Mediterranean as a biodiversity hotspot. There has been a drastic decrease of the populations of this species since the twentieth century, mainly related to impacts of fishing, leading to its inclusion in … Read more

First Record of the Emperor Angelfish Pomacanthus imperator from the Lebanese Water (Eastern Mediterranean)

Why are there more and more jellyfish in the sea?

In recent years we have seen how jellyfish have become increasingly important in the marine ecosystem. They have been around in the sea for hundreds of millions of years, and are a fundamental part of the marine ecosystem, but their presence is a source of great controversy, as they can affect tourism or fishing. They … Read more

European Parliament adopts law on nature restoration: despite low ambition, hope remains for ocean restoration

The European Union’s efforts to move forward its green agenda received a boost today [12 July] as the European Parliament adopted its position on the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL). Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) gathered in Strasbourg to approve the NRL report, which has been a point of much contention in recent months. … Read more

Oceana flags three ocean priorities to be addressed by the EU Spanish presidency

Spain needs to ensure the adoption of the Nature Restoration Law, and show leadership on files related to the energy transition, catch limits, and seafood traceability Oceana urges the Spanish presidency of the EU Council to prioritise ocean-related issues during the second half of 2023, considering the dire climate and biodiversity crises in EU waters … Read more