“The high seas” – Just the term evokes the idea of a wild and lawless ocean that spans as far as the eye can see… and pirates (or is that just me?). The truth is not so far from this. You see, the high-seas fall beyond national jurisdiction and are “governed” by a series of … Read more
At 5000 m high, the Gorringe seamounts, located in the Atlantic, 300 km off the Portuguese shore, are on their way to becoming a new Marine Protected Area, following their nomination by the Portuguese government[i]. Oceana, which has documented this area on several occasions, is thrilled with this announcement. Since 2005, Oceana has worked to … Read more
Oceana claims that although approximately five million euros are transferred each year from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment to the Balearic authorities for the conservation of Cabrera National Park, this funding is ultimately used for other purposes. This fact is made manifest by the dramatic drop in park economic resources and … Read more
It’s always good news when new marine protected areas are put in place; and good news is always a cause for a celebration. This week, the European Commission adopted an updated list of Natura 2000 sites which includes new additions submitted by several Member States (Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Malta, Sweden and the UK). These areas … Read more
Oceana is appalled by the vote of the Industry, Transport, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament, which adopted this morning its report on the proposal for a Regulation on safety of offshore oil and gas prospection, exploration and production activities. Following intense lobbying from the oil industry and oil-drilling Member States opposed … Read more
It’s not looking good for habitat and species protection in the Mediterranean, a big deadline is coming up and EU Member States from the region are failing to meet their obligations, despite the looming threat of financial penalties. But let me rewind a bit, to give you a bit of background. The Habitats Directive is … Read more
Today marks 15 years since the death of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a name that is synonymous with the ocean. This French conservationist, diver, filmmaker, author, photographer (and the list goes on) is responsible for educating millions around the world about the wonders of the world’s oceans – and today, we want to honor that legacy and … Read more
Oceana finds the final Rio +20 declaration to be a weak statement of intent, with no legally binding commitment that fails to respond to the urgent conservation and management needs of the world’s oceans. Rio +20 concludes without any real progress towards a sustainable future. However, the international marine conservation organization acknowledges as a positive … Read more
This World Oceans Day (June 8), Oceana sounds the alarm on the rapid retreat of European underwater forests from climate change and irresponsible human activities. Every year the loss of thousands of acres of these ecosystems and the consequent damage to hundreds of species goes unnoticed. The international marine conservation organization is calling on EU … Read more
Swedish government urged to protect vital species and ecosystems. Oceana has identified Klints Bank and the area East of Gotland as one of the locations in need to protection. As part of its 2012 Baltic Expedition, the marine conservation organization has been conducting extensive research in the past few days to bolster data collected in … 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.
