What is a Natura 2000 site? Natura 2000 is the European Union’s network of protected areas, created to safeguard valuable and threatened species and habitats across Europe. These sites are vital for preserving biodiversity, but how are Natura 2000 sites designated, especially when it comes to marine and coastal areas? The process is guided by … Read more
El Hierro, the southernmost, westernmost, and youngest island of the Canary Islands (Spain), is a volcanic wonder rising from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. While 90% of its structure lies submerged, its waters are teeming with extraordinary marine biodiversity. Oceana has long recognized the ecological importance of these well conserved ecosystems, conducting research to … Read more
NGOs call for evaluation of Marine Action Plan and new rules to strengthen protection of EU seas Brussels – No EU country has comprehensive plans to phase out destructive fishing, like bottom trawling, from marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2030, a new analysis released today by marine NGOs Oceana, Seas At Risk and ClientEarth reveals. … Read more
The report highlights the ecological risks of deep-sea bottom fishing in the Mediterranean, emphasizing that activities below 800 meters threaten vulnerable marine ecosystems. Oceana supports extending these protections to safeguard biodiversity hotspots and enhance the Mediterranean’s climate adaptation capabilities. Version in French Version in Spanish Version in Arabic Version in Turkish
19 UK and 16 EU conservation groups, are today announcing their strong support for the UK Government committing to closing Scottish and English North Sea waters to sandeel fishing, in the face of EU opposition to the action. The nature groups (including the RSPB, ClientEarth, Oceana, Birdlife International, and the Marine Conservation Society) are calling … Read more
If you want to protect sharks, you need to protect the places they call home. It’s easy to identify many marine animals’ homes. Clownfish, like our friend from Finding Nemo, oddly enough, don’t tend to stray too far away from their favorite anemones in coral reefs. The same goes for seahorses, who often live their … 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.
