Offshore Drilling Archives

Hydrocarbons exploration in Italy threatens ecosystems in the Adriatic and the Strait of Sicily

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: EU agency desperately needed to supervise offshore oil and gas activities

EU Energy Commissioner, Günther Oettinger, today presented the long-awaited Commission proposal to regulate offshore oil and gas activities in Europe – a reaction to BP’s Deepwater Horizon disaster, which spilled massive amounts of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010. Oceana welcomes the intent of the proposed regulation to address current legislative gaps, … Read more

Oil Company set to destroy marine habitats with the Spanish government’s permission

Spain’s beautiful Costa Del Sol, a tourist destination for millions, is under threat from Repsol, and oil company with plans to prospect for gas in the area, and some incredible habitats and marine animals that we just recently documented as part of our latest Ranger Expedition are in danger of being destroyed. Repsol wants to … Read more

Exploring and drilling for hydrocarbons must be stopped in unique and fragile mediterranean deep sea

Particularly alarming is the recent green-lighting by the Cypriot government of drilling for gas in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by energy company Noble Energy. A large part of the almost 5,500-km2 area Noble Energy could start drilling as early as September, falls within the Eratosthenes Seamount area, a Fisheries Restricted Area (FRA) adopted by … Read more

Deepwater Horizon´s one-year anniversary: Not much to celebrate

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico turned one year old last week – but this was a birthday that no one celebrated. In addition to human lives, the spill has devastated ocean life: thousands of dead seabirds, stranded turtles, dead oyster beds, mysteriously disappearing dolphins, and plummeting crab catches have been … Read more

Oceana once again warns UNESCO of illegal fishing and pollution in spanish world heritage site

Oceana will today meet with representatives of the World Heritage Centre of UNESCO and of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat to present an analysis of the two biggest threats endangering the integrity of the marine environment of Doñana National Park: the planned expansion of the petroleum industry and illegal fishing. This meeting, also attended by other … Read more

Oceana concludes its first expedition to the Gulf of Mexico

After sailing through more than 4,000, during this campaign the international organization has conducted studies such as: shark tagging, plankton surveys, contaminated sediments sampling and marine and seabed documentation. Oceana has just concluded its first expedition to the Gulf of Mexico to assess the long-term effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon spill. During the two-month … Read more

What’s Next for Deepsea Drilling in Europe?

Last Thursday the European Parliament rejected a call to ban deepwater drilling, opting instead to tighten regulations to control exploration safety and compensation in the event of a spill. However, according to his spokesperson, the EU Energy Commissioner will be calling for a ban on new deepwater oil drilling on the 13th. Meanwhile, on the … Read more

Overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction are threatening European Seas

Oceana denounces the severe deterioration of Europe’s oceans and seas and calls for immediate measures to halt the collapse of fish resources, the destruction of marine habitats and the pollution affecting its waters. On World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June), Oceana points out that European seas are among the most … Read more

Oceana solicita la intervención de la UNESCO ante la creciente amenaza de mareas negras en Doñana

Oceana ha informado a la UNESCO sobre el proyecto de instalación de una nueva boya de descarga de petróleo de la empresa Refinería Balboa enfrente de Doñana y sobre la solicitud de ampliación de la Refinería La Rábida de Cepsa, proyecto este último al que el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino … Read more