Seas At Risk

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.

Campaigning Approach

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.

Work Plan

Our 2022-2024 work plan is framed by our Blue Manifesto, our rescue plan supported by 100+ NGOs to make our ocean healthy by 2030.

Work Areas & Objectives

A. Ocean Economy & Governance

• A new narrative for an equitable blue economy focusing on the well-being of planet and people.
• Joint NGO ocean priorities in the run-up to the 2024 European elections.

B. Rewilding the Ocean

• Marine Protected Areas cover at least 30% of EU waters and are well managed.
• Restoration of ocean ecosystems by 2030.

C. Seafood Production in Balance with Nature

• Fisheries transition from industrial to low impact.
• 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 & Circular Economy

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

Organisational Improvements

To improve our organisational set-up, we will:

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