A new has concluded that EU commercial fisheries can be resilient to climate shocks if they are managed according to sound scientific advice and in line with the principles of maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The study also looked into ways to reduce greenhouse emissions from the fishing sector.
The Map of the month shows macroalgae and microalgae production facilities by production methods. Macroalgae, also commonly known as seaweeds, are becoming increasingly popular in Europe for many purposes other than food, as a source material for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutrition or energy (biofuel). Microalgae are microscopic plants, typically found in freshwater and marine systems, living in both the water column and sediment. Harvesting, cultivating, or processing algae to create high-value products can make an invaluable contribution to a cleaner and healthier environment. Therefore, the production of algae is an important part of the “blue bioeconomy”.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has severely disrupted the energy market in Europe. To deal with this emergency, the EU is reducing its needs for energy imports and speeding up its green energy transition, as laid out in the REPowerEU plan of the European Commission.
Europe still needs to face the legacy of the wars of the 20th century. Coastal waters around Europe are scattered with unexploded weapons (such as bombs, grenades, naval mines, known as UXO (UneXploded Ordnance)), and their quantity is unbelievable.
Vessel-based surveys are important in assessing and managing fishery stocks. However, vessel surveys are usually a very time-consuming, expensive affair. Moreover, working conditions at sea can be very rough, and for safety reasons even a small vessel needs a crew of at least two. But what if the vessel was unmanned?
Plastic pollution in our ocean has devastating consequences for biodiversity, fisheries, tourism and coastal communities. EU has taken many steps to address this problem, either by direct legislative initiatives, by awareness-raising campaigns (such as the ongoing #EUBeachCleanup), or by supporting innovative projects tackling marine plastic pollution.
Following the adoption of the Partnership Agreement 2021-2027 with Cyprus, the Commission has adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme for Cyprus, to implement the EU common fisheries policy (CFP) and EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal.
What do Coast Guards do for maritime security in the EU waters? In this episode of Ocean, we’ll follow the COASTEX-22 joint exercise in Croatia, where vessels, helicopters, airplanes and a number of observers from European Coast Guard authorities test various coast guard functions.
Certified organic, dolphin-safe, line caught, or MSC certified? The labels on fish products being sold in Europe can be confusing, so how do you decide which is the most sustainable choice?
The map of the month displays the location and status of hundreds of lighthouses around Europe. Lighthouses serve as a navigational aid for maritime pilots at sea. They are vital to maritime security as they indicate dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, and safe entries to harbours. Often, these structures designed to emit light are located in pristine areas of immense natural beauty.
In line with the ambition to protect nature and restore biodiversity, as stated in the EU Biodiversity Strategy, the Commission has acted to close 87 sensitive zones to all bottom gears in the EU waters of the North-East Atlantic.
BlueInvest Africa will take place in Seychelles on the island of Mahé on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 September. This is a business event, both physical and online, organised by the European Union in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Seychelles.
In a world where food resources are becoming scarce, #algae offer a promising food supply at low environmental costs.
Sustainable seaweed farming in open waters? Yes, we can! #EMFF ALGAEDEMO project demonstrated that large-scale #algae farming is not only a viable
Fisheries local action groups underlie the community-led local development, a participative approach to developing coastal areas, for the benefit of a sustainable,
The #EUBeachCleanup campaign, co-organised by the EU, the United Nations and our blue friends, the Smurfs, every year in September, around World Coastal Cleanup Day, is key to raise awareness about marine litter.
This is the moment we have been waiting for: the EU4Algae Forum is going live, and you can now submit your pre-registration. In the next three years this initiative will foster sustainable algae production and consumption in Europe.
The 5th Intergovernmental Conference negotiating the UN High Seas Biodiversity Treaty* suspended its session with significant progress made in almost all chapters, bringing the international community closer than ever to the Treaty it needs for protecting the ocean,
Farming finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants in the sea or inland waters is one of the world’s fastest growing food sectors. It already provides the planet with more than half of all the seafood and fish we eat.
For centuries, people across Europe have been farming fish in ponds or picking mollusks at the seafloor. Today, some of these traditional methods can benefit natural ecosystems, boost public health and promote sustainable economic growth.
