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December 22, 2020

Best New Year wishes from Oceana in Europe

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*** Local Caption *** Low angle shot wiew of the Ranger's main mast and the European flab. Cañón de Llanes, Asturias, Spain. Catamaran Oceana Ranger Atlantic Cantabric Expedition. July 2008. Vista en contrapicado del palo mayor del Ranger y bandera de Europa. Cañón de Llanes, Asturias, España. Expedición por el Atlántico Cantábrico del catamarán Oceana Ranger. Julio 2008

 

We are all to say good-bye to 2020! It has been the most extraordinary year of uncertainties and difficulties the world over – but also a time to test our resilience and adaptability in navigating such troubled waters.  For many, it has also been a time for reflection and recognizing that we will only be able to protect ourselves if we are able to protect our home – our planet.

Whilst the Oceana team in Europe has had its fair share of obstacles, we have nevertheless come out of 2020 stronger and even more determined to achieve important goals to save the ocean.  We have laid the groundwork to push even harder and faster in our fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing;  we have shone a light on the impending disaster to undo much of the progress gained to date to stop overfishing; we have secured commitments from government officials to lead the way on reducing single-use plastics reaching the ocean and we have highlighted the importance of not only designating marine protected areas, but making sure that those same important marine areas are fully and effectively protected.

So whilst this has indeed been a very tough year for all, I am grateful to the many individuals around the world who have supported us in our work and want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing support, advice, encouragement and engagement.

On behalf of the Oceana team in Europe, wishing you a peaceful and safe holiday season and may 2021 be a little kinder to us all.

 

Pascale Moehrle

Executive Director, Oceana in Europe