Seas At Risk 2024

Introduction

A healthy, biodiverse and resilient ocean is critical in the fight against climate breakdown and nature collapse. Our goal is to ensure that the roll out of the Green Deal has a strong 'blue' component, improve EU and international marine policies, integrate climate and biodiversity objectives in maritime policies, and to ensure—with our members—more effective implementation of EU regulations.

We will develop a 'system change' campaigning approach to counter the unsustainable 'economic growth' paradigm that still underpins the EU Green Deal and Blue Economy Strategy. This will include attention for crucial land-sea links and ways of dealing with emerging topics. Our work plan is framed by our Blue Manifesto, our rescue plan supported by 100+ NGOs to make our ocean healthy by 2030.

Work Areas and Objectives

A. Ocean economy and governance focusing on well-being of planet and people

• An overarching narrative for a well-being economy and systemic change streamlined in our work
• Ocean health features prominently in the 2024 European elections

B. Rewilding the ocean to make it climate-resilient

• At least 10% of EU waters are strictly protected and well managed by 2030
• Restoration of ocean ecosystems by 2030

C. Seafood production in balance with nature

• Just transition to low-impact fishing in the EU
• Aquaculture and alternative seafood respect ocean health

D. Clean energy transition

• Shipping transitions to zero carbon emissions and zero pollution
• Renewable energy at sea develops without ocean degradation

E. Zero pollution and circular economy

• Marine litter is tackled at the source
• Deep-sea mining is stopped

Organisational Improvements

To underpin our policy work, we will improve our organisational set-up:

• Boost staff capacity through training and knowledge sharing, and focus on staff well-being
• Strengthen Seas At Risk membership, engaging members in all work areas
• Enhance outreach with targeted communication and strong new narrative