In May 2025, Oceana, with the support of the NGO Sea Shepherd, conducted undercover visits to ports, fish markets, and restaurants along the Western Mediterranean coasts of Italy and Spain to investigate the sale and consumption of undersized hake. The results of this investigation are presented here, in collaboration with consumer organisations OCU (in Spain) … Read more
Evidence points towards illicit trade Italian consumers support stronger enforcement of rules, survey reveals Once considered a staple of light Italian cuisine, hake is now in deep trouble in the Mediterranean. A new report out today by Oceana, Sea Shepherd, and consumer organisations Altroconsumo and OCU, reveals extensive sales of juvenile hake in Italian ports, … Read more
In the Western Mediterranean, overfishing remains a major issue, Oceana estimates that 60% of fish populations under the Western Mediterranean multiannual plan (West Med MAP) are subject to overfishing. France, Italy, and Spain are failing to sustainably manage valuable species such as hake, red mullet, and Norway lobster, threatening fish populations and putting the fishing … Read more
Brussels – Today, EU fisheries ministers have set fishing opportunities for stocks managed exclusively by the EU for 2025, in the Northeast Atlantic and in the Mediterranean Sea. Oceana values the progress made in the western Mediterranean, where France, Spain and Italy have taken decisions to reduce fishing pressure, including adopting remedial measures to recover … Read more
The western Mediterranean multiannual plan (West Med MAP), introduced in 2019, is the EuropeanUnion’s primary framework for the conservation and sustainable management of demersal stocks in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Despite significant progress made through the West Med MAP, the target of sustainable fishing mortality rates in the Western Mediterranean remains far from being achieved. … Read more
In the ending overfishing challenge, Chef Michael shows us how overfishing is a recipe for disaster, and provides refreshing food-for-thought on how to build sustainable fisheries in Europe.
This policy briefing provides analysis and recommendations to ensure the adoption of sustainable fishing opportunities that prioritise long-term ocean health through rebuilding fish populations, safeguarding and boosting ecosystem resilience in the face of mounting pressures like climate change, and fostering transparent and countable fisheries management.
France, Spain and Italy must urgently recover hake from near commercial collapse and rebuild Norway lobster populations As Mediterranean inhabitants sit down to enjoy their favorite summer fish dishes, Oceana is reacting to a European Commission report by calling for more action to end overfishing and recover populations of European hake and Norway lobster. Oceana … 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.
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