Report | March 27, 2025

Briefing: the EU Ocean Pact and Marine Protected Areas

EU Ocean Pact and Marine Protected Areas

When effectively managed and protected, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) act as catalysts for thriving, climate-resilient and prosperous coastal communities across Europe. Numerous success stories, some presented in the briefing, to illustrate how EU MPAs are particularly strategic for the competitiveness and resilience of EU blue economies, including the fishing sector, through the rebuilding of fish populations, the protection of seafood supply, and the support to territorial development and local jobs.

Strengthening the implementation and enforcement of existing EU MPA legislation is the most effective way to reap these social and economic benefits and guarantee the wellbeing of coastal communities, including traditional fishers.

With the EU Ocean Pact, Europe has a unique opportunity to become a global leader by taking bold action to safeguard marine
ecosystems and meet international targets by 2030. For that, MPAs are an essential tool for promoting an integrated approach to
sustainable ocean management, yet their full potential remains largely untapped.