Policy Recommendations

Strengthening Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

We call for the regulation of MPAs by a European institutionalized control team. We propose a reward system for states that comply with MPA protection regulations. We recommend the establishment of a European patrolling team to monitor MPAs,supported by satellite and AI surveillance systems. We recommend placing at least 12 % of European waters under strict protection status.

Combatting Harmful Ocean Exploitation

We demand a moratorium on deep-sea mining. We advocate for a complete phase-out of bottom trawling practices and call for an immediate ban on bottom trawling within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as an essential first step. We urge countries to conduct thorough, independent research on the true costs of bottom trawling and deep-sea mining, challenging prevailing narratives promoted by certain governments and corporations. We urge the EU to respond decisively to governments initiating deep-sea mining—through public criticism, sanctions, or trade tariffs.

Ending Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing

We demand robust control mechanisms to prohibit IUU fishing. We propose integrating satellite and AI technologies into enforcement strategies.

Sustainable Fisheries Management

We call for the revision of current fishing quotas, ensuring alignment with ecological limits and scientific data.

Supporting Marine Restoration and Innovation

We demand EU funding for national rewilding projects such as artificial reefs, kelp farms, and mangrove restoration.

Integrating Ocean into Climate Commitments

We urge European countries to uphold the Paris Agreement and link its implementation with ocean-related measures. We demand the inclusion of ocean-related Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).The integration of coastal and marine ecosystems as nature-based solutions in Europe's NDCs is critical.

Reducing Plastic and Promoting Circular Economy

We urge the EU to incentivize alternatives to plastic and call on the European Commission to cooperate only with sustainable firms. We propose a reward system for companies that invest in research on plastic alternatives, implement circular economy practices, and reduce plastic production and consumption. Companies must also be required to internalize the true cost of plastic production and use.

Enhancing Ocean-Linked Reporting and Standards

We call on the EU to build on existing frameworks such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and GPPS (Global Plastic Pollution Scorecard), integrating them into EU ocean initiatives. ESG reports must align with ocean-related EU goals and help reduce ocean-bound plastic. We also support the development of a taxonomy for sustainable marine activities,covering marine ecosystem protection and responsible marine resource use.

Empowering Civil Society and Transparency

We encourage civil society actors to contribute to ocean monitoring and reporting. The EU should incentivize citizen participation, making gaps in regulation more visible and increasing public engagement with EU ocean action.

Advancing Ocean Education and Awareness

We demand the inclusion of Ocean Literacy and Blue Citizenship Education in school curricula across Europe. We propose the establishment of annual Blue Days across Europe, inspired by Romania's Green Week initiative. There is no Green without Blue. We support using arts and films to reach diverse audiences and raise awareness about ocean challenges and the Ocean-Climate Nexus.

Acting on Urgency and Science

We demand clearly communicated deadlines for action in emergency zones, especially those identified by coastal communities, Indigenous Peoples, scientists, and other ocean experts.

High Seas Treaty and Legal Recognition

We urge all European nations and global partners to quickly ratify the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement). Even if BBNJ is not universally signed, we insist that ratifying parties move forward and do not allow a decade of negotiations to go to waste. We call for the eventual recognition of the High Seas as a legal person. As a step towards making the ocean a space of rights, legal personhood for cetaceans should be granted as a symbolically important interim stage.

Upholding the Precautionary Principle

The EU must place the Precautionary Principle at the core of all ocean-related decision-making. In this context, we also call for the establishment of rules to prevent harmful tourism and ocean noise pollution.