European Commission Launches Cleaner Seas Strategy

BRUSSELS, Belgium, October 10, 2002 (ENS) - The European Commission has unveiled the outline of a wide ranging European Union marine environment protection strategy in a communication addressed to governments and the European Parliament. It promised for 2004 a full "thematic strategy," as demanded by the bloc's new Sixth Environmental Action Programme.

While a large number of measures have been taken to protect the marine environment, the Commission says, they have been taken largely sector-by-sector so that there exists no overall, integrated marine policy. The future thematic strategy is intended to fill this gap.

The overall goals are integrated policy making, and management in line with an ecosystem based approach resting on the precautionary principle.

Bluefin tuna caught in the Mediterranean Sea by a purse seiner. (Photo by M. Deflorio courtesy NOAA)

All contamination of the marine environment by hazardous and radioactive substances should be ended, in line with existing goals of the Ospar Convention on Protection of the Northeast Atlantic.

Human induced eutrophication should be eliminated by 2010. Eutrophication, or nutrient pollution, is the process by which humans add excessive amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon to waterways that empty into the sea. Runoff from agricultural fields, urban lawns, and golf courses, and untreated, or partially treated, domestic sewage are major sources of excessive nutrients.

Marine litter should be eliminated by 2010, and the overall environmental impacts of shipping reduced through development of a "clean ship" concept. The Commission proposes to end oil pollution from ships and offshore installations by 2020.

Actions proposed to meet these objectives include development by 2005 of a new marine species and habitats protection program, to be integrated into a law known as the EU Habitats Directive.

The objectives of the Water Framework Directive are to be integrated into EU policies on chemicals and pesticides to begin moving towards the Ospar hazardous substances goal.

Anti-eutrophication measures are to include a comprehensive assessment of the state of marine eutrophication in 2006 and research to support cuts in ship emissions of nitrogen oxides.

By 2004 the Commission will review issues relating to nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, and determine any need for EU action.

The English Channel and Cornwall coast of England (Photo by Ian Britton courtesy Freefoto)

An interservice Commission group is to be set up to maintain momentum towards more integrated policy making.

On Wednesday, the Commission proposed a series of ambitious measures designed to ensure the sustainability of fisheries in the Mediterranean.

In a "global and coherent" approach, the new measures include declaration of fisheries protection zones, management of fishing effort as the main instrument, and improvement fishing techniques so as to reduce adverse impact on fish populations and the marine environment.

International cooperation and scientific advice will be emphasized, control and enforcement will be strengthened, and there will be an effort to increase the involvement of the fishing industry in the consultation process.

"The traditional economic and social importance of fishing in the Mediterranean has so far not really been mirrored in the Common Fisheries Policy," said Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler. "But, we are now proposing concrete measures that take into account the very specific features and needs of the Mediterranean."

Baltic Sea (Photo credit unknown)

Lars-Erik Liljelund, director-general of the agency, said, "The Baltic Sea is already classified as a particularly sensitive marine area in relation to certain pollutants, but the Baltic also needs stringent regulations governing shipping. Another current issue Sweden is pursuing is the ecological sustainability of fisheries in the Baltic," he said.

Liljelund pointed out that all countries bordering the Baltic Sea, except Russia, will probably belong to the European Union following its forthcoming enlargement.

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