The current environmental state of Europe’s seas is, in general, poor. This is bad news for people, since it affects their quality of life, means of subsistence and economy. The status of our seas determines the Ability to stock up, among other things, oxygen, food, a habitable climate and certain raw materialsas well as leisure, recreation and health.
The historical and current use of the EU seas and its oceanic zone is taking its toll, leading to changes in the composition of marine species and habitats and general changes in the physical and chemical composition of the seas. TO These complex problems add climate change, which aggravates the impact of the other threats.
The combined effects of these changes are They are currently on the way to cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystemsalthough there are signs of their recovery in some areas as a result of significant efforts, often from one decade, to reduce certain impacts, such as those caused by pollutants, eutrophication and overfishing.
A protection for the seas that should not be delayed
WWF has published a new report that marks a milestone in the protection of European seas. The document identifies 10 key principles to effectively restore marine and coastal ecosystems in the European Union, offering for the first time a detailed framework that supports the newly adopted law of restoration of nature.
Based on outstanding projects distributed throughout Europe, such as The Life Ecoreset case, the report analyzes what makes a marine restoration project Be truly effective, sustainable and backed by science.
The situation of European seas and coast is worrying: the degradation of habitats, pollution and the effects of climate change put them in check. This pressure also affects people: more than 40 % of the EU population lives in coastal areas, so The recovery of these ecosystems is not only urgent for biodiversity, but also key to the protection of coastal communities and the mitigation of climate change.
“The Nature Restoration Law gives us a historical opportunity to reverse decades of damage In our seas. But it is a relatively new land, with few finished projects. Therefore, this report is so relevant: it fills a vacuum by offering clear and scientifically based on real ecological recovery, not only on paper, ”explains Jacob Armstrong, responsible for oceans in the European political office of the NGO.
The report is supported by scientific literature reviewed by peers and in the analysis of real marine restoration experiences within the EU. As a result, it includes a practice list step by step aimed especially to politicians and project managers that are developing future national restoration plans required by law.
The countdown has already begun: Spain, like other member states, must present its national plan to the European Commission before September 1, 2026. The NGO is urgent to act without delay, ensuring that the plans incorporate the 10 principles of the report, align with current European and national conservation policies and have the active participation of all interested parties.
“With the Pact for the oceans on the horizon, scheduled for the end of Maythe EU has a unique occasion to demonstrate that it is serious about its commitment to recover the oceans. Actions such as improving scientific knowledge, reducing human pressure on marine ecosystems and promoting dialogue are key to achieving significant restoration. This report is a guide for political leaders to rise to the wave of healthy oceans and make that commitment come true, ”concludes Armstrong.