Protecting
the ocean
together
Why our ocean matters
With more than 25 million km², EU waters represent the largest sea area in the world. With about 70 000 km of beautiful coastline and 40% of Europeans living within 50 km of the sea, the EU waters are a vital resource. These waters are our food, our work, our culture, and our lungs – but these resources are not endless.
Today, the ocean faces serious threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Ocean warming, acidification, and invasive species disrupt marine life and put biodiversity at risk. Rising sea levels endanger coastal communities, while pollution damages ecosystems and threatens food security. Illegal and unregulated fishing further depletes fish stocks. Protecting the ocean means working together to preserve marine life and ensure the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Why is it important for the EU to protect the ocean?
The ocean knows no borders. Fish swim freely across the seas, and a plastic bottle discarded in one location can wash up hundreds of kilometres away. That's why no single country can protect the ocean alone – we have to work together.
The EU ensures that everyone follows common rules for sustainable fishing to ensure fish stocks can regenerate, protect vulnerable species, and prevent environmental damage in EU waters. It also works with non-EU countries to align their efforts in ocean protection and strengthen international rules. This cooperation keeps the ocean healthy, so everyone can rely on and enjoy it.
Fishing boat near the coastline of Island of Brac, Croatia ©Getty Images | Dado Daniela
Fishing boat near the coastline of Island of Brac, Croatia ©Getty Images | Dado Daniela
Did you know...
About 200 million Europeans live within 50 km of the sea
Did you know...
About 200 million Europeans live within 50 km of the sea
Sustainable blue economy
The blue economy includes all the jobs and industries that depend on the ocean. It's fishing and tourism, but also maritime transport, renewable energy, and research. It's a major driver of the EU’s economic growth and innovation that supports close to 5 million jobs.
The EU works to generate clean, renewable energy from its vast seas. By 2050, offshore wind energy, as well as energy from waves, tides, and even algae, could become the main sources of energy in the EU.
Vessel deck at offshore wind farm in the morning, Germany ©Getty Images | CharlieChesvick
Vessel deck at offshore wind farm in the morning, Germany ©Getty Images | CharlieChesvick
Did you know...
The ocean produces half of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere and absorbs 25% of CO2 emissions
Did you know...
The ocean produces half of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere and absorbs 25% of CO2 emissions
Fishing communities and sustainable fisheries
Fishing has long been a tradition along Europe's coastlines. Fishing communities depend on the ocean for their livelihoods, bringing fish to our tables. But the ocean is a fragile living ecosystem. If we catch too many fish or pollute the water, some fish species could decline or even become extinct. That's why the EU regulates fishing practices.
The EU sets rules on quotas – how much fish can be caught in a place or during a period, the use of fishing vessels and gears, and protected fishing zones. It fights illegal fishing and promotes sustainable practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Aquaculture, the farming of fish, shellfish, and even algae in water, is becoming an important source of sustainable food. Thanks to EU rules, labels on seafood packaging tell you where the product came from and how it was produced.
Herring with onion and pickles on the canals in Amsterdam, Netherlands ©Getty Images | Alexander Spatari
Herring with onion and pickles on the canals in Amsterdam, Netherlands ©Getty Images | Alexander Spatari
Did you know...
Blue economy directly supports close to 5 million jobs in the EU and has generated €263 billion in 2023
Did you know...
Blue economy directly supports close to 5 million jobs in the EU and has generated €263 billion in 2023
Healthy and diverse marine life
The ocean is home to many different creatures. Protecting marine biodiversity is not just about safeguarding the animals themselves but also ensuring the health of the entire ecosystem. The EU rules protect vulnerable species like sharks, eels, sea turtles, and dolphins from harmful practices such as overfishing and bycatch.
They also address the spread of non-indigenous invasive species, driven by climate change, to maintain the balance of ocean ecosystems, which is important for sectors like fisheries or tourism.
A Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Laconia, Greece ©Getty Images | Giacomo Augugliaro
A Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Laconia, Greece ©Getty Images | Giacomo Augugliaro
Did you know...
Each EU citizen consumed an average of 23,5 kg of fish and seafood in 2022
Did you know...
Each EU citizen consumed an average of 23,5 kg of fish and seafood in 2022
Clean beaches and thriving coastal communities
Coastal tourism is a major industry for many European countries. Whether it’s a summer vacation by the sea or just a day at the beach, millions of people enjoy Europe’s coastlines every year. But pollution, especially plastic waste, is damaging our beaches and coastal economies.
The EU enforces strict rules to reduce marine pollution, so beaches stay clean and safe for swimming and tourism. This also helps preserve Europe’s natural beauty and support local communities.
Golden Bay, Mellieha, Malta ©Getty Images | Stefan Cristian Cioata
Golden Bay, Mellieha, Malta ©Getty Images | Stefan Cristian Cioata
Did you know...
With more than 25 million km2, EU waters represent the largest sea area in the world
Did you know...
With more than 25 million km2, EU waters represent the largest sea area in the world
The ocean is our future, let’s keep it safe
The ocean is a priceless resource that gives us oxygen, food, jobs, and a place to enjoy and connect with nature. By working together and making informed choices, we can keep oceans healthy and full of life for future generations.
Everyone can help protect the ocean by reducing their plastic use, choosing sustainable seafood options, and participating in local clean-up activities.
Sunset, Isle of Elba, Italy ©Getty Images | Christine Schneider
Sunset, Isle of Elba, Italy ©Getty Images | Christine Schneider
Discover more
Fisheries and ocean
©Getty Images | Juampiter
©Getty Images | Juampiter
Environment
©Getty Images | REDA
©Getty Images | REDA
Climate action
©Getty Images | Alistair Berg
©Getty Images | Alistair Berg