Sharks are extremely vulnerable species which have been fished by European Union vessels at home and around the world without any management for decades. Globally, 21% of shark, ray and chimaera populations are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List. In the Northeast Atlantic the figure is even higher with 26% threatened and … Read more
The marine conservation organization recalls that the fishery needed to be closed for five years after four previous years of low biomass levels and catches. Oceana states that in order to prevent past mistakes, the EU is to follow the scientific advice in determining the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of anchovy in the Bay of … Read more
After continuous campaign work by Oceana, in early June the European Commission closed the bluefin tuna purse seine fishery early for a third year in a row, further confirming the overcapacity of the fishing fleet. The assigned quota was reached one week earlier than expected, and the Commission’s decision came despite the fleet reduction plans … Read more
Nine of the 20 areas around the world with the highest amounts of fish discarded at sea (in terms of the amount of fish discarded compared to the amount landed) can be found in the North-East Atlantic. Six of these are fisheries worked by bottom trawling and the other three are worked by vessels that use … Read more
The most recent world report (FAO, 2005) estimates that, during the period from 1992 to 2001, 7.3 million tons of marine organisms were discarded each year around the world, representing 8% of the total catch. Unfortunately, the discarded specimens are not likely to survive and are often caught before they have had time to reproduce. … Read more
Oceana describes the priorities to be established within the amendment: The implementation of the precautionary principle and an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. The correct management of all fisheries through TACs– (Total allowable catches), effort control and technical measures. Fisheries in European Union waters and by European Union vessels should only be carried out … Read more
Longlining is a passive fishing technique using baited hooks. The full fishing gear consists of various branch lines – between 100 and 200 – which hang from a main line (kept on the surface by buoys) onto which the hooks are attached. In the case of the Spanish longlining fleet working in the Mediterranean, the … Read more
Political commitment to correctly apply this system is fundamental and, as such, one of Oceana’s main objectives is to pressure and influence the decisions made concerning TACs. Oceana believes it is necessary to maintain the TAC system and has expressed this in its recommendations for the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), as long as the … Read more
Society as we know it, perhaps in every country on earth, would not exist in its present form without economic subsidies. Economic support knows many different faces: apart from direct payments to those in need, it may be provided through public-private partnerships or bi-lateral agreements, by joining a free trade agreement or union (such as … 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.
