Red coral (sometimes called precious coral) is widely used throughout the world for jewelry, and in beauty products. The human “appetite” for this stunning coral, which dates as far back as ancient Greece and Egypt, when red coral was considered to have sacred properties, has unfortunately led to the destruction of many red coral colonies, … Read more
Ever looked into the mouth of a dusky grouper? Our divers took this great shot in the La Restinga-Mar de las Calmas Marine Reserve in the Canary Islands a couple of years ago. The dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) has a large body and a very large mouth (as you can see). It’s a bit of … Read more
Given the diversity of possible appearances of some habitats contained in the OSPAR List of Endangered and/or Declining species and habitats across the North East Atlantic, a more precise description of the habitat as it occurs in relation to different substrates, depths and regions will need to be developed. When defining habitats, there are several … Read more
Today is a really exciting day for us. In 2008, OSPAR developed a list of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats. The list is unfortunately vague in many habitat definitions, which prevents a common and clear understanding of where they occur. Because the information that was used to define these habitats was gathered years ago, … Read more
Eelpout (Zoarces Viviparus) is one of the most common species in the Baltic Sea. It is also found in the coastal areas of North East Atlantic. Not much of looker, few people are aware how interesting a fish the eelpout actually is. Danish research has brought forward the extraordinary fact, that the eelpout suckle its … Read more
The Sea Stickleback (Spinachia spinachia), which is also sometimes called the fifteen-spined stickleback (because it characteristically has between 14-17 dorsal spines). Adults generally live solitary or in pairs, in shallow coastal areas and feed on small invertebrates. This fish can reach up to 25cm in length and is commonly found. But here is the interesting … Read more
Since mid-July, seismic activity has been detected around El Hierro (one of the Canary Islands) with experts claiming over 9,600 earthquakes, most too mild to be felt, have occurred. Recent data, according to the news, is suggesting that yesterday morning there was in fact an underwater eruption at around 4:30 am local time, and gases … Read more
Oceana remains troubled that the vast majority of Baltic fish species like seatrout, dab, brill, turbot and flounder remain largely unmanaged. Yesterday, the European Commission published their proposal for 2012 Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for some Baltic fish stocks. Oceana is urging the Commission and Member States to immediately halt fishing for red listed and … Read more
In this document Oceana reviews the current state of regional protection initiatives in the Mediterranean Basin and presents a varied proposal for the protection of marine areas which it considers essential for maintaining a balance in the Mediterranean Basin and achieving good environmental status. The objective of the aforementioned proposal is to contribute to the … Read more
Oceana identified over 100 different marine species on Gorringe seamount after completing a scientific expedition in the Portuguese Atlantic during recent weeks with support from the Foundation for the Third Millennium. Apart from important kelp forests, the international marine conservation organization documented deep-sea sponge fields, black coral forests, extensive oyster beds and over 100 different … 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.
