Oceans – Euractiv

Our ocean is bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. Greater protection is urgently needed.

Alberto van Klaveren Stork, Patricia E. Harris — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:04:34 +0000

Last month brought grim news: The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral system in the world, is experiencing its fifth mass bleaching event in the past eight years. Unfortunately, it’s far from alone. Reef habitats in the Atlantic, Pacific, and potentially Indian Oceans are also likely to experience bleaching in the coming months.

Spanish pellet spill puts EU law on microplastic pollution in the spotlight

Nathan Canas — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:20:32 +0000

A recent spill of plastic pellets on the Spanish coast has highlighted the need for regulation at EU level, with environmental groups pushing for a zero tolerance approach to plastic pollution.

UK backs suspension of deep-sea mining in environmental U-turn

Karen McVeigh — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:45:30 +0000

Britain has announced its backing for a moratorium on commercial deep-sea mining, after criticism from scientists, MPs and environmentalists of its previous stance in support of the emerging industry. Euractiv's media partner, The Guardian, reports.

Lawmakers call for ‘European Blue Deal’ to tackle water challenges

Annita Elissaiou — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:16:13 +0000

A cross-party group of lawmakers in the European Parliament have issued a joint call for the establishment of an ambitious "European Blue Deal" to protect water resources from climate stress and promote ocean energies.

High seas treaty moves closer to reality with first signatures

admin — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 04:20:08 +0000

Nearly 70 countries at the United Nations on Wednesday (20 September) signed a first-ever treaty on protecting the international high seas, raising hopes that it will come into force soon and protect threatened ecosystems vital to the planet.

World nations debate future of deep-sea mining in Jamaica

admin — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 05:25:09 +0000

Nations opposed to deep sea mineral mining and those in favor of exploiting the oceans' depths butted heads in Jamaica on Wednesday (26 July), with both sides arguing their position would help protect the planet.

EU hails ‘historic moment’ as UN seals treaty to protect high seas

admin — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:15:35 +0000

The European Commission on Sunday (5 March) hailed a first international treaty to protect the high seas agreed by UN member states as a "historic moment".

US, EU pledge billions at international ocean conference

admin — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:30:43 +0000

A global conference to save the world's oceans kicked off Thursday (2 March) in Panama with urgent calls to adopt an international protection treaty, along with billions of dollars in US and EU pledges for research, monitoring and conservation.

UN to try anew to finish treaty protecting the high seas

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:13:13 +0000

UN member states on Monday (20 February) open two weeks of negotiations aimed at finally reaching a treaty meant to protect and preserve vast areas of the world's oceans.

LEAK: EU biodiversity plan aims to ban bottom trawling in protected areas

Valentina Romano — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:04:45 +0000

EU countries will be required to reduce the harmful impacts of fishing on sensitive species and their habitats, under a draft EU biodiversity plan seen by EURACTIV.

Macron opposes deep-sea mining amid growing interest

Hugo Struna — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:52:00 +0000

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his opposition to deep-sea mining permits but confirmed his support for exploration at the recent COP27 summit in Egypt, settling the matter of France's stance once and for all.

UK sewage dumping could be breach of Brexit pact, says EU Commission

Benjamin Fox — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:30:45 +0000

The UK’s increased dumping of raw sewage in the Channel could be a breach of its post-Brexit trade deal with the EU, the European Commission told MEPs on Thursday (1 September).

SCANS-IV survey : European scientists track cetaceans from the sky

Hugo Struna — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 11:42:47 +0000

A campaign to examine the abundance and distribution of cetaceans in European Atlantic waters has been underway since 27 June and is scheduled to run until the end of August, with results potentially influencing European decision-making.

As UN Ocean Conference ends, environmental groups press world leaders

Georgi Gotev — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 06:00:22 +0000

Environmental groups on Friday (1 July) urged world leaders to keep promises they made at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon this week, to do everything in their power to save the world's seas.

Macron says deep-sea mining must not go ahead

Georgi Gotev — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:09:09 +0000

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (30 June) a legal framework was needed to stop deep-sea mining from going ahead and urged countries to put their money on science to better understand and protect the world's oceans.

UN envoy calls for agreement to protect oceans

Valentina Romano — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:02:48 +0000

When COVID-19 lockdowns shut down much of the world, images of animals roaming city streets and dipping air pollution levels led some to believe the pandemic might mark a turning point for global action on climate change.

UN secretary-general apologises for not protecting oceans

Maria João Pereira, Sara Madeira — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 04:31:35 +0000

While in Portugal for a youth conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres apologised on Sunday for the lack of attention older generations and policy-makers give to the oceans, stressing that it is still a slow process to reverse the problem.

Blue carbon: The role of the ocean in the fight against climate emergency

Alex Rogers, Steve Trent — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:13:43 +0000

The ocean is our greatest ally in our fight against the climate emergency - and the EU now has a golden opportunity to protect people, wildlife and our planet by supporting it, write Alex Rogers and Steve Trent.

One Ocean Summit: States pledge €4 billion to fight plastic pollution at sea

Davide Basso — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 06:29:00 +0000

A total of €4 billion will be allocated to combat plastic pollution, according to the so-called "Brest Commitments" adopted at the end of the One Ocean Summit Friday (11 February), where they also agreed to create a global coalition to preserve high seas biodiversity. EURACTIV France reports.

Media Partnership: The Blue Economy in the Green Transition – European contributions to sustainable ocean management

Brian Maguire — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 08:42:59 +0000

In this webinar we will discuss European policies and initiatives for a sustainable blue economy and how these initiatives contribute to the global efforts for sustainable ocean management.

Portuguese minister: We have one ocean, we need to look after it globally

Gerardo Fortuna — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:37:08 +0000

International cooperation to tackle global challenges facing marine resources is strongly needed as problems such as ocean warming cannot be solved by a bunch of countries only, Portugal's minister of the Sea Ricardo Serrão Santos said in an exclusive interview.

Green transition impossible without ‘blue economy’, EU says

Kira Taylor — Thu, 06 May 2021 12:30:18 +0000

The transition to a greener, more sustainable economy will be impossible without the support of industries based around the ocean and coasts – known as the blue economy – according to the European Commission.

Blue economy: the potential of our oceans to contribute to a green recovery

Evi Kiorri — Tue, 04 May 2021 14:09:31 +0000

According to OECD projections, by 2030, the “Blue Economy” could outperform the growth of the global economy as a whole, both in terms of value added and employment. The EU is a global leader in offshore wind energy, one of...

What next for ocean energies in Europe?

Frédéric Simon — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:31:16 +0000

The European Commission’s offshore energy strategy, presented in November, set the bar high for tidal and wave power, aiming for a total installed capacity of 1 GW by 2030 and 40 GW by 2050. The industry is now rolling up its sleeves to try and deliver on that promise.

France’s management of fish stock positive except in Mediterranean

Lucie Duboua-Lorsch — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:24:55 +0000

Though the French institute for sea exploitation known as Ifremer appeared optimistic when presenting its 2020 report on the state of fish populations caught in France, they, however, called for continued efforts, particularly in the Mediterranean where the situation is more worrying. EURACTIV France reports.

Science must finally become the foundation of our marine policies

Antonia Leroy — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 06:45:29 +0000

2021 marks the start of the UN Decade on Ocean Science – a chance to move away from past mistakes where EU decisions were not always made based on the best-available science or even went against scientific advice, writes Antonia Leroy.

Auditors raise ‘red flag’ over EU efforts to protect seas

Kira Taylor — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 15:10:46 +0000

Efforts to protect the European Union seas are failing to slow biodiversity loss or prevent overfishing, with the Mediterranean under particular threat, a report by auditors said on Thursday (26 November).

Ocean Energy: A test of the Green Deal’s transformational ambitions [Stakeholder Opinion]

Rémi Gruet — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 06:00:50 +0000

Beyond its decarbonisation goals, the Green Deal aims to create entirely new industries and jobs, reframe our relationship with local environments and natural resources, and re-prioritise fairness and quality of life. A powerful step-change by a confident young Commission, or just admirable intentions? A new initiative on ocean energy may prove to be an important barometer, writes Rémi Gruet.

EU aims for ‘massive change of scale’ on tidal, wave energy

Frédéric Simon — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 06:45:22 +0000

While focusing chiefly on wind power, the European Commission’s upcoming offshore energy strategy also seeks to boost other ocean energy sources like wave and tidal, according to a draft policy document seen by EURACTIV.

LEAK: EU aims for 25-fold growth in offshore wind by 2050

Kira Taylor — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 06:20:15 +0000

Offshore wind capacity in the EU "should be multiplied by 25 times by 2050" as the European Commission looks for all possible ways of boosting the share of renewables in energy consumption, according to a draft policy document seen by EURACTIV.

‘Urgent action’ needed to protect Europe’s seas, agency says

Frédéric Simon — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:00:03 +0000

Seas across Europe are in “generally poor” condition, according to a report by the European Union’s environment agency, published on Thursday (25 June).

From 10% to 30×30 – no time to waste for marine biodiversity

Virgilius Sinkevicius — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:16:03 +0000

The EU's new Biodiversity Strategy will increase the EU’s network of marine protected areas, writes Virgilius Sinkevicius

‘UK has the fish, but Europe has the market’, fisheries committee chair says

Gerardo Fortuna — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 06:58:49 +0000

In his first interview as the new chair of the parliamentary committee on fisheries (PECH), the Renew Europe MEP Pierre Karleskind called for a fisheries agreement with the UK that recreates the current situation whereby EU fishermen can have access to British waters and UK seafood can be sold on the Single Market.

Vella: EU leadership on oceans governance is a priority for my successor

Gerardo Fortuna — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 07:11:11 +0000

The EU's outgoing Fisheries Commissioner, Karmenu Vella, warned that climate change and biodiversity loss were putting the earth's ecosystems dangerously close to a tipping point, and pleaded for his successor to carry on the International Ocean Governance (IOG) put in place during his five-year mandate.

Thinning of the Arctic ‘unprecedented for at least 1,000 years’ – IPCC report

Romain Loury — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 12:56:19 +0000

The Arctic has lost around 12.8% of its surface area every decade between 1979 and 2018, which is "likely unprecedented for at least 1,000 years" and could shrink even more if no action is taken, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement reports.

IPCC drastically increases its forecasts for world’s rise in sea levels

Florence Schulz — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 16:14:29 +0000

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented its special report on the oceans and ice caps today (24 September). Although climate scientists have, once again, drastically increased their sea-level rise forecasts to one metre by 2100, there is still time for action. EURACTIV Germany reports.

First ‘millennial’ Commissioner to address challenges for Generation Z

Gerardo Fortuna — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 09:48:43 +0000

Putting the youngest ever Commissioner-designate in charge of managing the most fearful threats for future generations of Europeans, such as environment protection and oceans' conservation, is the biggest gamble Ursula von der Leyen took in composing her team.

Why the ocean should be on the G7 agenda

Dominique Pialot — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 14:52:25 +0000

Surfrider Europe, a French organisation fighting for clean oceans, is organising an event ahead of the G7 summit in France. The aim is to call for incorporating ocean protection into international negotiations, particularly those concerning climate change. EURACTIV's partner la Tribune reports.

France dumps 11,200 tonnes of plastic in the Mediterranean every year

Giulietta Gamberini — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:12:43 +0000

600,000 tonnes of plastic are being dumped by 22 countries in the Mediterranean Sea every year, of which 11,200 tonnes come from France. EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.

Antarctica: A historic opportunity for the EU to act for the planet

Geneviève Pons, Pascal Lamy — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 11:34:59 +0000

The EU has a historic opportunity to protect the Southern Ocean at the upcoming EU-China summit, write Geneviève Pons and Pascal Lamy.

New Caledonia bans disposable plastics

Stéphanie Senet — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 05:37:31 +0000

On 27 December, the Congress of New Caledonia voted to do away with most single-use plastic objects by 2020. EURACTIV France’s media partner the Journal de l’environnement reports.

The EU and mako sharks: From sinner to saviour?

Staci McLennan — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 06:37:27 +0000

The EU should match its rhetoric on sustainable fisheries by leading global efforts to preserve mako sharks, argues Staci McLennan.

The Sustainable Blue Economy: EU’s actions must match its words

Dr Samantha Burgess — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:54:03 +0000

As global leaders met at the world’s first Sustainable Blue Economy conference this week, the EU must face the sobering reality of the state of our ocean and stand by its commitments to sustainably protect and effectively manage Europe’s seas before it’s too late, writes Dr Samantha Burgess.

Seychelles issues the world’s first ‘Blue Bond’

Stéphanie Senet — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 06:17:46 +0000

For the first time, a state – Seychelles – has issued a 'Blue Bond', which will finance the protection of marine ecosystems and the development of sustainable fishing. EURACTIV France’s media partner, the Journal de l’environnement reports.

EU helps French research institute unlock mysteries of the ocean

Cécile Barbière — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 06:18:28 +0000

From studying toxic microplankton to currents and ocean temperatures, the Euro Hab and Euro-Argo projects are trying to understand the oceans. The British are contributing to this undertaking but Brexit could complicate things. EURACTIV France reports.

Paris meeting offers opportunity for leadership on high-seas agreement

Liz Karan — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 15:14:12 +0000

The high seas make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean, but less than 1 percent is currently protected. All this could change this September, when governments come together at the United Nations for an intergovernmental conference to negotiate a new treaty that would create a mechanism for protecting these ocean areas, writes Liz Karan.

EU opportunity to make fish discarding history

Rebecca Hubbard — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 04:10:15 +0000

On World Ocean Day (8 June), it is important to bring back to the forefront the debate of overfishing which is undermining the health of our oceans. Five years after the reform on the EU Common Fisheries Policy nothing much has changed, and discarding at sea is still common practice, writes Rebecca Hubbard.

Plastics: The invisible oil spill

Pierre-Yves Cousteau — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 08:40:40 +0000

Plastic is everywhere, polluting our waters, choking marine wildlife, and even in our food and water. It is a problem of global proportions but an ambitious EU Plastics Strategy can create vital momentum, writes Pierre-Yves Cousteau.

Pierre Yves Cousteau: Let’s learn from Ancient Greece about environment

Stavros Mavrogenis — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 09:42:59 +0000

Eight million tonnes of plastic leaks into the oceans and seas per year, resulting in the reduction of at least 600 species, at an annual cost of $80 million to European fishermen. However, there is a way out and it can be found in the past, according to the son of the great ocean explorer, Pierre Yves Cousteau. Euractiv.gr reports.

EU rules out tax on plastic products to reduce waste

Fiona Harvey — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 04:05:37 +0000

EU opts for public awareness campaign on the impacts of plastics on the environment saying a tax would not be sustainable, reports EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian.

EU takes the helm in a year of ocean mobilisation

Isabella Lövin, Karmenu Vella — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 03:24:43 +0000

2017 will be remembered as the turning point in how the international community works together to protect the ocean, write Karmenu Vella and Isabella Lövin.

Time for everyone to sign up for strong ocean governance

Sophie Mirgaux — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:51:22 +0000

There is currently no legal mechanism for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas. A proposed agreement by the UN looks to rectify that, writes Sophie Mirgaux.

Let life in the oceans be a priority for ‘blue growth’

Linnéa Engström — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 06:38:07 +0000

Today, as we celebrate World Water Day, I would like to highlight the issue of so-called ‘blue growth’. Our oceans can offer enormous opportunities to millions of people, but only if their ecosystems are preserved, writes Linnéa Engström.

Closing the net: The EU must step up enforcement of seafood import controls

Victoria Mundy — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 11:07:53 +0000

The EU has some of the world’s toughest legislation aimed at barring imports of illegally-caught fish. But inadequate enforcement and an outdated import document scheme risk undermining its impact, writes Victoria Mundy.

Belgium and France join war on plastics

Janie Matthews — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:19:08 +0000

Ten countries have pledged their allegiance to the United Nation’s war on ocean plastics.

Only strong international cooperation can protect the ocean and climate

Karmenu Vella — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 09:59:00 +0000

As the COP22 Climate Conference gets into full flow in Marrakesh, Commissioner Karmenu Vella warns that global rules for the oceans have to be dragged into the 21st century.

Deal struck for world’s biggest marine reserve in Antarctica

admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 05:24:33 +0000

The world's largest marine reserve aimed at protecting the pristine wilderness of Antarctica will be created after a "momentous" agreement was finally reached Friday, with Russia dropping its long-held opposition.

Microplastics should be banned in cosmetics to save oceans, British MPs say

John Vidal — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:30:06 +0000

Cosmetics companies must be banned from using plastic microbeads in scrubs, toothpaste and beauty products because of the marine pollution they are causing, say a group of MPs.

Clearing up the confusion around marine plastics

Chris Sherrington — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 11:07:45 +0000

Contrary to popular myths, most plastic pollution at sea occurs on the seabed and on beaches, not on the surface. If we want to secure the health of our oceans, we need to start looking at preventing marine plastic litter at source, writes Chris Sherrington.

Let’s design out waste for a real Circular Economy

Simon Wilson — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 13:54:28 +0000

The European Commission must wholeheartedly commit to building a Circular Economy if it is to deliver the benefits for the environment, businesses and the economy that EU citizens expect, writes Simon Wilson.

Pacific islands demand easier access to climate finance

Aline Robert — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:16:30 +0000

SPECIAL REPORT / "The waves will not wait for the funding to be allocated before flooding our islands," the small islands of the Pacific have warned. But climate finance is often beyond their reach. EURACTIV France reports.

EU regions’ leadership in Ocean Energy under threat

James Crisp — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 12:43:32 +0000

European regions in the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland are world leaders in pioneering ocean energy, but risk losing that status to international competitors, unless public support for the technology is stepped up.

Oceans’ role highlighted as global warming ‘regulator’

Cécile Barbière — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 08:14:17 +0000

The Ocean and Climate Platform, a civil society group, has launched an appeal to recognise the vital role played by oceans in regulating global warming ahead of the COP 21 UN climate talks in Paris later this year. EURACTIV France reports.

EU to halve plastic bag use by 2019

Cécile Barbière — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:56:35 +0000

The European Parliament passed a law on 28 April to drastically cut down on single-use plastic bags. EURACTIV France reports.

Campaign highlights biodiversity cost of plastic bags

admin — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 08:19:57 +0000

Yesterday (3 July) marked International Bag Free Day, but most of the world continues to use light-weight plastic bags, deemed the most harmful to the environment.

Ocean energy chief: Wave and tidal power can boost European industry

arthur — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:03:01 +0000

To commercially deploy ocean energy technology will require €500 million in investment before 2020, grid roll-outs, a common European framework, public-private partnerships and, ideally, feed-in tariffs, Remi Gruet told EURACTIV. But its advantages could more than outweigh that.

Top EU maritime official warns against ocean ‘gold rush’

Marc Hall — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 07:59:35 +0000

The European commissioner for maritime affairs, Maria Damanaki, has called at the World Ocean Summit for businesses to see the oceans as an economic resource but has warned against a “frenzied gold rush”.

EU action plan for ocean energy set to make waves

Arthur Neslen — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 08:51:18 +0000

EXCLUSIVE / The European Commission will today (20 January) announce an ocean energy action plan to set an energy forum and strategic roadmap in place by 2016, and ready a European Industrial Initiative for implementation by 2020.

Russian ‘fishing interests’ threaten bid for Antarctic conservation area

Arthur Neslen — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 08:17:42 +0000

EXCLUSIVE / A vote today (16 July) on whether to declare a marine protection area over an Antarctic body of water seven times the size of Germany is hanging in the balance due to Russian and Ukrainian fishing interests, the head of a European delegation to the talks has told EURACTIV.

Arctic Sea ice loss will cause ‘pronounced’ future melt, study finds

Arthur Neslen — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:27:00 +0000

A new study has found that Arctic Sea ice melt is creating a warming spiral, with the thinner winter sheets that replace long-term sea ice absorbing more solar heat and energy.

Baltic bacteria outbreak blamed on sea warming

admin — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 07:59:44 +0000

Manmade climate change is the main driver behind the unexpected emergence of a group of bacteria in Northern Europe which can cause gastroenteritis, new research by a group of international experts shows.

German researchers say Pacific will dilute Fukushima radiation

Arthur Neslen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:34:37 +0000

Radioactivity in the Pacific Ocean from the Fukushima nuclear disaster has peaked and will dilute rapidly, according to a study by Germany’s Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research.

EU countries urged to halve marine waste by 2020

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:54:56 +0000

Environmentalists are calling on European countries to achieve a minimum 50% reduction in marine waste as part of commitments they must make under EU law.

Study shows oceans becoming much more acidic

admin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:34:39 +0000

The world's oceans are turning acidic at what could be the fastest pace of any time in the past 300 million years, even more rapidly than during a monster emission of planet-warming carbon 56 million years ago, European and US scientists say in a new study.

Huge pool of Arctic water could cool Europe: study

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:14:03 +0000

A huge pool of fresh water in the Arctic Ocean is expanding and could lower Europe’s temperature by causing a mild ocean current to slow down, British scientists say.

Europe’s oceans changing at unprecedented rate, report says

arthur — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:24:19 +0000

Europe's seas are changing at an unprecedented rate as ice sheets melt, temperatures rise and marine life migrates due to climate change, a report by the Climate Change and European Marine Ecosystem Research (CLAMER) project has warned.

Ocean energy wants place in EU’s energy future

Nikita Chudjakov — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:26:33 +0000

Wave and tidal energy could provide 15% of Europe's energy needs by 2050, the industry estimates, calling for support measures to realise its potential.