Protecting cetaceans is an important part of protecting marine ecosystems in general. The Habitat Directive advises to create marine protected areas for these species, and consequently, Spanish laws state the presence of cetaceans as one of the reasons for creating National Parks. These marine animals’ social nature and their distribution near the coast, and in shallow … Read more
There is also concern about the health conditions of the meat due to high levels of contaminants accumulated in the tissue of these animals. Sources from the international marine conservation organisation Oceana indicated on Monday that the Icelandic vessel Hvalur 9 had captured a second whale, a lesser rorqual, 200 miles from the coast; this … Read more
Oceana, the international marine conservation organisation, affirms that the Icelandic government has decided to stop complying with the moratorium on commercial whale hunting established by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1985, and which is still in effect today. The first of the whaling vessels left its base port in Rejkiavik on Wednesday and reached … Read more
Last week in Gothenburg, Sweden, OSPAR (the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic) met for its annual Commission, and we are sad to report that the outcome of it was a huge disappointment. Generally recognized as one of the most effective regional sea conventions in the world, OSPAR has … Read more
Oceana is alarmed at recent developments in the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources along the Italian coastline that jeopardize the integrity of fragile marine ecosystems and the livelihood of coastal populations. The international marine conservation organization urges Corrado Clini, the newly appointed Minister of the Environment, and the Italian government to stop new offshore hydrocarbon leasing … Read more
Oceana´s Ranger expedition is going strong as it continues through the Alboran Sea, which is the westernmost portion of the Mediterranean Sea. This area, famous for its great number and variety of cetaceans (marine mammals), did not disappoint: our on-board team of scientists, photographers, videographers and divers spotted more than 400 cetaceans in just one … Read more
New report details proposal based on four years of undersea research in the Mallorca channel. Oceana has submitted a proposal to protect the main seamounts in the Mallorca channel (known as Ausias March, Ses Olives and Emile Baudot). The document was presented during the 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Marine Environment and Ecosystems of … Read more
Species in the Northeast Atlantic and their state of conservation according to the UICN Red List MYSTICETI Balaenids Balaenopterids Greenland right whale (Balaena myscticetus) CR Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) NT Atlantic northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) NA Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) EN Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) EN Common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) … Read more
Its distribution is centered on the Western European coasts between Galicia and Portugal. It frequents shallow waters. Its population in European Atlantic waters is estimated at 385,000 individuals, though 90% is found in the North Sea. The small populations outside this area are critically endangered. Habitats: They have a definite preference for shallow waters. In … Read more
Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana.
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.
