An underwater robot, a flying drone, professional scuba divers and a team of scientists are documenting plastic pollution in the depths of the sea and bottom trawling in marine protected areas The data gathered in the South of Spain will support Oceana’s demands for environmental action from key decision-makers Oceana is carrying out an … Read more
Introduction Underwater seamounts are often referred to as oases of the ocean, as they are home to rich ecosystems living at various depths on their slopes, benefiting from ocean currents that increase biological productivity and attract other marine life. Used as ‘stepping stones’ for transoceanic dispersion of species, and as reproduction or feeding grounds for … Read more
Lying 300 nautical miles to the south-west of Golfo Dulce, this constitutes the largest marine environmental treasure of the people of Costa Rica. It is a spot that gives rise to considerable controversy amongst fishermen and environmentalists. The fishermen (longliners, trawlers, seiners) fish illegally in the protected waters, mainly seeking out tuna and shark fins … Read more
Golfito lies to the south of Costa Rica, close to the border with Panama. It is a “sub-gulf” within another larger one known as Golfo Dulce. In Costa Rica, there is another gulf known as the Gulf of Nicoya, which has traditionally been regarded as a bottomless pit in terms of the abundance of fish. … Read more
This is one of the most unusual marine areas in the world due to the migratory routes of cetaceans, swordfish, tuna and other species, the heavy oil tanker traffic and the huge amount of concentrated rubbish. The Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan fishing fleets all operate in this area.
The Azores is a key location for understanding the migration of sea turtles in the Atlantic. All loggerhead turtles found in these waters come from the laying beaches of North America and the Caribbean islands. The biggest longline fishing fleets in this area are the Spanish and Portuguese, searching for swordfish and tuna. Other major … Read more
This area is fundamental to the entire North Atlantic, although not many people know about it. It is an important spot for species such as sea turtles, where the young turtles recently born on the beaches of Georgia and Florida spend their “lost year”. In addition, crustaceans, the common dolphin, triggerfish, nudibranchs and many other … Read more
In the Bahamas, it was possible to document the environmental impact of cruise ship traffic. It is also an excellent spot for documenting wildlife, both on the surface — seabirds, marine mammals, etc. — and under the water. The Atlantic spotted dolphin, humpback whales and coral reefs offered other avenues for study and documentation in … Read more
Coiba Island lies 120 nautical miles to the south-east of Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica and just 12 nautical miles from the nearby coast of Panama. Intensive illegal fishing activities have made Coiba a highly threatened protected area. Coral reefs, humpback whales, pilot whales, killer whales, dolphins, sea turtles (who lay their eggs on its beaches), … 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.
