EU Ocean Deal

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Overview

A healthy ocean is necessary for climate resilience, food security, a thriving blue economy and prosperous coastal communities. As the EU has more sea than land, it is time to put the ocean at the heart of its decision making by adopting an Ocean Deal that guarantees that all ocean-related EU policies preserve and restore the ocean, in a coherent manner.

In addition to its vital role in the global climate system, the ocean is also a source of food, energy, employment, recreation, and well-being. Yet, the importance of the ocean is not reflected in the political discourse or in the political priorities of EU decision-makers.

The European Green Deal, launched in December 2019, kicked off an innovative agenda in EU policy-making, with the ultimate goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

Marine issues, however, have remained peripheral to the Green Deal, with very few policy initiatives related to the ocean in the 2019-2024 EU mandate. The specifically marine initiatives of the European Commission, such as the package of ocean-related Communications published in February 2023, were not legally binding. Implementation of existing marine policies remains sluggish and incomplete, and policy-makers whose decisions impact on the ocean often work in siloes, resulting in inconsistent policies.

An EU Ocean Deal is, therefore, needed. The Ocean Deal must:

  • rebuild abundant fish populations by fully implementing the Common Fisheries Policy;
  • stop destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling from happening in Europe’s marine protected areas;
  • improve consumer information on the seafood we eat, including if it is imported or processed; and
  • disclose EU ownership of fishing vessels.

There is an ocean of solutions. It is time for the EU to jump in!

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