Several scientific studies provide proof of the successes of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in enhancing biodiversity and benefiting sea life. MPAs provide threatened species and living breeding grounds a place to rebuild and flourish. For example, areas facing reduced pressure, where fisheries have been banned or restricted, have healthier communities and often host fish that … Read more
The comprehensive collection of information is the result of over 60 hours of recording, filmed during 3 campaigns. Oceana scientists have identified more than 350 species on the Gorringe seamount, located in Portuguese waters, 160 nautical miles south-west of Cape St Vincent. The documentation of this great biodiversity, undertaken with the support of the Foundation … Read more
Since the beginning of June, Oceana’s research catamaran, the Ranger, has been carrying out a research campaign off the coast of Galicia, Spain, with the support of the Spanish Fundación Biodiversidad. This expedition aims to document vulnerable and valuable sea floors and propose they be included in the protected area network of the North Atlantic. … Read more
Last week, a team of Oceana marine biologists on board the Marviva Med oceanographic vessel obtained images of a fleet of 25 vessels dedicated to the industrial bluefin tuna fishery, approximately 30 miles south of Formentera. According to Xavier Pastor, coordinator of the Oceana expedition, highly specialised technology is used to catch thousands of tons … Read more
Oceana has documented the presence of these protected habitats in areas devastated by illegal fishing gears around Cabrera (Balearic Islands) Oceana will send to the EU evidence found of illegal fishing activity in the area surrounding Cabrera and south Majorca, filing a claim against Spain for breach of the Council Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006 for … Read more
Only 48 hours after the Oceana Ranger catamaran departed Valencia towards the Atlantic to begin its expedition in Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea, Oceana simultaneously begins a Mediterranean expedition in Palma de Mallorca on board the research vessel “MarViva Med”. The six-month initiative, carried out in collaboration with the MarViva Foundation, will focus on issues … Read more
The European Commission has asked Spain what environmental safeguards will be put in place in response to Cairn’s exploration project, which ignored valuable marine ecosystems in its impact assessment. Oceana has discovered thousands of stony sponges (lithistidae order) on a small seamount between Valencia and Ibiza, where an oil exploration project will soon take place. … Read more
Cabrera National Park will be the first in Spain to include an escarpment if Oceana’s proposed extension is accepted. Oceana has captured the first images in existence of the Emile Baudot escarpment, located in an area south of the Balearic islands, which the marine conservation organisation proposes should be incorporated into Cabrera National Park. The … Read more
The project carried out by Oceana in collaboration with the Fundación Biodiversidad contributes new data to marine research. A small yet interesting carnivorous sponge has been discovered by Oceana on a seamount located 10 miles from the coast of Almeria (Spain), known as “Seco de los Olivos”. It is the first time this species, scientifically … Read more
Oceana divers, working in the Cabrera Marine Park to document and record the state of the ecological communities and in surrounding areas, came across large concentrations of jellyfish in the northeastern-facing coves of the archipelago. Thousands of jellyfish of the Pelagia noctiluca species were filmed and photographed by Oceana as they moved within park waters … 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.
