Seas At Risk 2023

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. 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

Our work areas and objectives are:

A. Ocean Economy and Governance

• Focus on the well-being of the 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

• 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 Improvement

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 narratives.