SDG 14 on 'life below water' focuses on the sustainability of the oceans, recognising their essential role in life on our planet. Oceans contain 80 % of all life forms, produce more than 50 % of the Earth's oxygen and play a central role in regulating the climate. In addition, the 'blue economy' provides 4.5 million direct jobs in the EU. To manage maritime activities sustainably and cope with different environmental pressures, the EU has implemented a wide range of policies, such as the common fisheries policy, the marine strategy framework directive and the maritime spatial planning directive, as well as specific legislation related to marine litter. Other new initiatives under the European Green Deal also play an important role in relation to ocean governance and sustainable blue growth, such as the 2030 biodiversity strategy, the offshore renewable energy strategy, the 'Fit for 55' package and the new guidelines on aquaculture.

EPRS podcast - Policy: EU action on ocean governance and achieving SDG 14

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter. The European Union has been active in promoting the sustainable use of the seas. In early 2018, the European Commission presented a strategy to address the issue of plastics pollution, including microplastics in our seas.

Ocean protection (2019-2020)

EP Plenary session - European oceans pact

EP Plenary session - Need to adopt an ambitious international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment

EP Plenary session  - Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities

EP Plenary session -  EU Action Plan: protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Recent ecological catastrophe involving plastic pellet losses and its impact on micro plastic pollution in the maritime and coastal habitats

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean

EP Plenary session - Establishment of Antarctic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the conservation of Southern Ocean biodiversity

EP Plenary session - Voting session (part 2) incl. European Health data space and violence against women

Each of us produces almost 180 kg of packaging waste in a year. This is 20 % more than a decade ago. 40 % of all the plastics and 50 % of all the paper used in the EU goes into packaging. This emits more CO2 than an average-sized EU country. On 30 November 2022, the Commission proposed to revise the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. This review contributes to reaching the objective of the European Green Deal and the new circular economy action plan to ensure that “all packaging on the EU market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030”. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

6 facts about packaging waste

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Climate and socio-economic tipping points

MEPs debate on the Future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Closing statements by Manuel PIZARRO (S&D, PT), rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

Future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean: closing statements by Manuel PIZARRO (S&D, PT), rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

MEPs debate on the Future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean: MEPs debate

MEPs debate the Future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Opening statements by Manuel PIZARRO (S&D, PT), rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment.

Future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean: opening statements by Manuel PIZARRO (S&D, PT), rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

Accounting for 17 % of the global average per capita intake of animal protein, fisheries products support many people's livelihoods and make a significant contribution to food security. However, the share of stock fished at unsustainable levels has tripled since 1974. Economic losses from the depletion of fish stocks are estimated at US$83 billion. A reduction in fishing capacity and effort would contribute to the recovery of stocks, yet many governments of fishing countries continue to support the sector with harmful fishery subsidies. Subsidies that directly increase fishing capacity and may lead to overfishing are estimated at about US$22 billion worldwide. Although there are no specific global rules on fisheries subsidies, they are currently governed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

EPRS - Phasing out harmful fishery subsidies

During the plenary session (5-8 July 2021) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on establishment of Antarctic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the conservation of Southern Ocean biodiversity: closing statements by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment.

Establishment of Antarctic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the conservation of Southern Ocean biodiversity: closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment and Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs

protection of ocean (T)

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