Researchers are equipping policymakers with valuable data to help shape future ocean plastic pollution policy interventions. Their global analysis shows an unprecedented rise in ocean plastic since 2005. Have you ever wondered exactly how much plastic pollution has accumulated on the surface of our oceans around the world? A new study partly supported by the […]
The European Union made public four ambitious proposals for the next Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
The European Union made public four ambitious proposals for the next Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) session taking place from 8 to 12 May 2023. The objective is to improve the conservation of tuna and the management of fisheries. According to the IOTC Scientific Committee, the current situation of the stock and level of fishing […]
Global agreement on protection and sustainable use of resources and biodiversity in high seas
Global negotiations concluded on the landmark Treaty of the High Seas to protect the ocean, tackle environmental degradation, fight climate change, and prevent biodiversity loss. The new treaty will allow to establish large-scale marine protected areas on the high seas, which are also necessary to meet the global commitment of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Agreement concluded last December to […]
Cleaning up our oceans with smart robots
EU-backed researchers are deploying a fleet of autonomous robots to tackle litter on the ocean surface and floor. The EU-funded SeaClear project’s successful development of an autonomous robotic system that can find and remove litter from the ocean floor has led to further European funding under a second project, SeaClear2.0. Launched in January 2023, SeaClear2.0 […]
EU renews its Agenda on International Ocean Governance
The European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy unveiled the renewed EU agenda on International Ocean Governance (IOG), proposing actions for a secure, clean and sustainably managed ocean. With this policy, the EU confirms its active role in international ocean governance and its commitment to strengthen implementation […]
UfM Blue Finance Conference: Investing in a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Mediterranean
The UfM conference on Blue Finance aims at: Providing an overview of the current investment opportunities for the sustainable development of the Mediterranean Blue Economy and Offering practical guidance on the procedures to follow; 2. Discussing the enabling conditions (policy/regulatory environment; technical assistance; etc.), to attract funding 3. Organising direct networking opportunities and matchmaking sessions […]
All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance Forum 2022
The All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance Forum 2022 took place in Brasilia from 31st May – 2nd June 2022, in the framework of the All Atlantic Ocean Research & Innovation Alliance. Ignacio Ybáñez, Ambassador of the European Union to Brazil, emphasized the strategic importance of EU and Brazil cooperation in marine research. The scope of the […]
Europe’s bathing waters meet highest quality standards
The annual Bathing Water report published today shows that in 2021 almost 85% of Europe’s bathing water sites met the European Union’s most stringent ‘excellent’ water quality standards. The assessment gives a good indication of where swimmers can find the best quality bathing sites across Europe this summer. The assessment, put together by the European Environment […]
Leading EU initiatives to preserve the oceans
The Commission presented on February 11 ambitious initiatives to promote a cleaner, healthier and safer ocean as part of the EU’s contribution to the One Ocean Summit hosted by France in Brest, demonstrating the EU’s leadership role in providing a global response to ocean challenges. Speaking at the Summit, President Von der Leyen announced three […]