The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is backing a new and strengthened governance of the oceans, calling for increased international cooperation, the safeguarding of the marine environment and the protection of fish stocks from overfishing, according to an opinion drafted by Stefano Palmieri and adopted on Wednesday 25 January.
In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and sustainability by 2030, the EU should focus on taking measures to safeguard the well-being of the marine environment and protect fish stocks from overfishing, both of which are vital for many communities.
To this end, the Committee supports the target of 30% of the world’s oceans becoming marine protected areas by 2030.
Deep-sea mining is a concern. The EESC backs the suspension of all deep-sea mining authorisations until enough scientific evidence is gathered on their environmental impact.
Furthermore, the EESC recommends discouraging the use of flags of convenience to circumvent obligations in the field of ship demolition.
The focus should be on a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach towards illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries, tighter rules on bottom trawling, and more compliance with labour rules in this area, according to the EESC (see EUROPE 13108/1). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)