European Union proposes measures for international ocean governance

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By Libelula hace 9 year

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On November 10, the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adopted a joint communiqué proposing measures to ensure the safety, cleanliness and sustainable management of the oceans. As a major global player, the European Union (EU) sets out an agenda for better ocean governance based on an international cross-sectoral and regulatory approach.

Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said:

«The oceans make up 70% of the planet. The world has come to realize that the oceans need better care. Articulating actions is necessary to keep our oceans healthy. This is why the EU is taking the lead to create a stronger system of ocean governance at the global level. We are announcing an agenda to improve the way the oceans are managed, reducing human pressure on our oceans and investing in science, with the aim of ensuring healthy marine ecosystems and a thriving ocean economy.».

The proposal establishes 14 sets of actions, but in this note we will focus on 1) Reducing human pressure on the oceans and creating the conditions for a sustainable blue economy and 2) Strengthening international oceanographic research and data.

1) Reducing human pressure on the oceans and creating the conditions for a sustainable blue economy.

With the entry into force of the Paris Agreement, the Commission will work to strengthen ocean-related action to meet national and international commitments. Because the oceans absorb 25% of CO2 generated, they are important climate regulators. Without action to limit ocean warming and acidification, the oceans risk deregulating the climate.

The fight against illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU fishing) is a priority for the EU. At least 15% of catches worldwide, valued at between EUR 8 and 19 billion per year, are illegal. As a leader in the fight against IUU fishing, the EU will promote multilateral action, including the creation of a unique vessel identifier, a global register and a catch certificate, and will strengthen the role of Interpol in the fight against IUU fishing. The Commission will launch a pilot project to monitor illegal fishing worldwide using satellite communications.

Marine litter is another major threat to the oceans. Under the Circular Economy Action Plan, the EU will propose, by 2017, a strategy on plastics, which will contribute to minimizing 30% of marine litter by 2020.

The Commission will work towards international guidelines on Marine Spatial Planning by 2025 and help expand Marine Protected Areas worldwide with funding under Horizon 2020 and LIFE programs.

Strengthening international ocean research and data.

An estimated 90% of the seabed remains intact. Less than 3% is used for economic activity. More sound scientific knowledge is essential to sustainably manage ocean resources and reduce human pressure. The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) provides data from more than 100 marine research organizations and is accessible to all. The Commission will propose how to develop this database into a global marine data network.

The proposed actions will be discussed with the EU Member States in the Council and the European Parliament.

Background:

This initiative is an integral part of the EU's response to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Goal 14 «Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources». It builds on the political mandate given to Commissioner Vella by President Juncker to «engage in shaping international ocean governance at the United Nations, in other multilateral fora and bilaterally with key global partners.».

The EU's role in promoting safety and security, global maritime growth and global governance through bilateral, regional and multilateral partnerships is supported by the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy. The joint communiqué aims to link the internal and external security dimensions of good ocean governance. It takes into account existing strategies, in particular the EU maritime security strategy and regional strategies, for example those for the Gulf of Guinea and Indian Ocean, as well as the integrated Arctic policy.

These efforts are aimed at achieving greater international shared responsibility for our oceans.

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