Corallium rubrum is endemic to the Mediterranean and adjacent African Atlantic waters. This species has been harvested since ancient times and is possibly the one in the worst condition. Up to 2,000 vessels have been dedicated to harvesting this coral using such destructive techniques like the crowbar (barra Italiana) or double cross (cruz de San … Read more
June 2009: The Spanish Ministry announced the creation of 20 new marine protected areas that will be implemented at the conclusion of the Life Indemares Project in which Oceana participates. This measure adopted by the Spanish government constitutes a new opportunity to conserve deep-sea coral populations in some areas taken into account in the project. … Read more
The Oceana Approach is straightforward and uses all available information to protect and preserve living seafloor habitat. Oceana develops research campaigns in the Atlantic and Mediterranean where, with an underwater robot (Remote Operated Vehicle ROV), professional divers and scientists study and document the sea beds: Locate, identify and describe corals and other species that live … Read more
Corals are animals or colonies of them that form complex seafloor structures — the foundation for some of the richest ecosystems in the world. Corals are slow-growing (only a few millimetres per year) and constitute a habitat of high ecological value for a wide variety of species. They create three-dimensional calcareous structures that offer protection, … Read more
Corals are simple animals and as such, are capable of forming very complex and diverse communities. Contrary to popular belief, simple organisms show the highest capacity for adaptation and mutation, since complex organisms are more specialized and therefore less likely to undergo genetic and physical modifications over a short period of time. All of them … Read more
Oceana is calling for an urgent reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to stop acidification of oceans. Acidification jeopardizes the survival of coral reefs and numerous marine species, and with them, the sustenance for millions of people worldwide. The international marine preservation organization is asking governments to introduce the acidification problems in the COP15 debates. … Read more
Today it’s all about last-day expectations. All important discussions have been put off for today’s plenary. The reopening of the bluefin tuna, sharks and corals debates will depend upon the support of the parties. Today we may obtain more protection for more species… or be doomed to lose them. Finally CITES failed to ban the … 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.
