All species of cetaceans are included in protection lists such as the Habitat Directive, Bonn Convention, Bern Convention and Barcelona Convention. In spite of that, these species continue to be endangered, and they require action to be taken in order to protect them. Oceana considers that the declaration of marine protected areas as set forth … Read more
2009.In honor of World Environment Day on June 5th and to implement the European Union’s commitment with the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Spanish government announced the creation of ten new Marine Protected Areas in Spain’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Oceana has played a key role in identifying and proposing protection for marine areas of interest … Read more
Oceana leads campaigns to collect scientific data on cetacean sightings. This information is included in sea bottom studies to focus on the need to declare marine protected areas.Oceana also conducted specific studies on the status of cetaceans in the Galician and Bay of Biscay and the need to boost efforts to protect them. Selectivity … 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
The appearance this summer of several cetaceans stranded on the coasts of the Canary Islands and the Azores while naval manoeuvres were being carried out has reopened the debate on the impact on cetaceans from the use of sonar and other acoustic pollution arising from these exercises. This is not the first time this has … Read more
There are over 80 species of cetaceans in the world. The total number is still unknown because new species of dolphins, beaked whales and whales continue to be discovered. In addition, the available information on their state of worldwide conservation covers less than half of the species. Protecting cetaceans is an important part of protecting … Read more
Oceana’s ongoing efforts to increase funding for the fishery observer program continue to produce results. Observers are trained monitors who count everything that is caught by a fishing vessel, including discarded fish, sea turtles and marine mammals. Observers are our eyes on the ocean and provide important information for fishery managers. In 2009, Congress appropriated … 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.
