IP/02/1459

Brussels, 11 October 2002

Commission proposes an ambitious roadmap for enhanced protection and conservation of marine ecosystems

The European Commission today presented a radical new approach to protect and conserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable use of marine resources. Responding to the threats faced by our oceans and seas, this new approach seeks to develop an integrated policy for the marine environment. As the first step towards one of the seven "thematic strategies" announced in the EU's 6th Environmental Action Programme, the final strategy will safeguard our seas for future generations. It sets out 14 ambitious objectives and outlines a number of concrete actions needed to achieve these objectives. The Commission's initiative is an important element in delivering on the commitments made at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in particular those relating to marine protection and fisheries. It introduces an ecosystem-based approach to management, and is linked very strongly to the Commission's proposals for the reform of the common fisheries policy.

Environmental Commissioner Margot Wallström said: "While some progress has undoubtedly been made in recent years, the overall state of the marine environment is unsatisfactory. Healthy seas and oceans are crucial to the survival of our planet. We must ensure that the exploitation of the sea's natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable, proceeds in a sustainable manner. We cannot continue to over-fish nor can we behave as if the oceans are a bottomless pit into which we can indiscriminately pour toxic chemicals, oil and waste. "

She continued: "The EU has in addition to its envrionmental policy a wide range of policies and programmes, such as fisheries, agriculture and transport, relating to the marine environment, but until now they have operated independently. Our new strategy represents a significant step forward in the development of a single, coherent policy for the conservation and protection of this most fragile resource."

What is at stake?

Pressures on marine ecosystems include: fishing, land and sea-based discharges and emissions of dangerous substances and nutrients, maritime transport and increasing development of coastal zones eg; harbours, coastal protection, tourism and land reclamation.

Over recent decades many measures have been adopted to deal with these pressures. Improvements in the quality status of European seas are clearly visible. Nevertheless, a large number of problems have yet to be fully addressed and major threats still persist.

Several important commercial fish stocks have reached critically low levels as a result of over-fishing resulting in changes to the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. Coastal habitats have been disturbed or destroyed and, with potentially catastrophic effects on indigenous species, non indigenous species continue to be introduced. Furthermore, there is evidence that a diverse range of dangerous substances with the potential to impair biological processes in aquatic organisms can also enter the human food chain, (e.g. dioxins). Eutrophication continues to be a major problem in many sea areas, Illegal discharges of oil by seagoing ships occur frequently and microbiological pollution remains a problem on a number of beaches in the EU.

The way forward

A coherent and consistent approach to control these pressures and improve the quality of European seas requires integrated EU action. Additionally, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and indeed globally, there is a need to join forces with all international governmental and non-governmental organisations concerned with marine management.

In its communication, the Commission outlines 14 ambitious objectives, integrating some which already exist in other EU policies. They include:

· halting biodiversity decline by 2010 and ensuring sustainable use of biodiversity through protection and conservation of natural habitats by applying an ecosystem-based approach

· changing fisheries management to reverse declining stocks and ensure sustainable fisheries both in the EU and globally

· eliminating pollution by dangerous substances

· preventing pollution by radioactive substances by 2020

· eliminating eutrophication problems caused by man by 2010

· eliminating pollution by litter by 2010

· phasing out illegal discharges of oil by 2010 and all discharges of oil by 2020

· reducing the environmental impact by shipping through the development of the 'clean ship' concept;

· raising the quality of seafood without risk to to human health;

· implementing the commitments made in the Kyoto Protocol regarding the reduction of greenhouse gases;

· improving the knowledge base on which marine protection policy is founded.

The Commission has identified a series of 23 points on which it will take action either alone or jointly with other international organisations. These action points will include:

· elaborating an ecosystem based approach to ensure that marine resources are managed in an integrated way

· developing action plans for the proper management of ballast waters to prevent the accidental introduction of exotic species

· promoting an integrated programme for the monitoring of furans and dioxins in the Baltic Sea

· promoting a comprehensive assessment of eutrophication status in European Regional Seas

· improving surveillance and monitoring of illegal discharges of oil

· developing improved and more comprehensive standards for controlling the levels of contamination in fish and shellfish

· promoting and facilitating a more effective co-ordination between the various organisations currently working on the the protection of the European regional seas

· ensuring a more effective implementation and enforcement of existing regulations

A stakeholder conference will be held in December 2002, following which the Commission will develop the strategy further, together with all stakeholders, before presenting the final thematic strategy on the marine environment itself in 2004.

Commissioner Wallström will make a presentation entitled 'Towards a strategy to protect and conserve the marine environment' at the Environmental Council on 17 October and this will be discussed at the Council meeting in December.

ANNEX 5

TO THE COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Towards a strategy to protect and conserve the marine environment

Timeschedule of Activities to Implement the Marine Strategy

Action	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Biodiversity
1. proposals for developing ecosystem-based approach
2. programme for implementing habitat and bird directives in marine areas
3. proposals for reform of Common Fisheries Policy
4. development of regional ballast water management plans
Assessment of the need for additional measures on ballast water
Propose measures to limit escapes from fish farms
Hazardous substances
5. implementation of the Water Framework Directive
6. proposals for chemicals policy and pesticides strategy
7. pilot programme for monitoring of dioxins
8. consider need for additional action on harmful antifouling
Eutrophication
9. assessment of marine eutrophication
Proposals for reduction of NOx emissions from shipping
Radionuclides
10. review of policy with regard to radioactive substances
Chronic Oil Pollution
11. exploring ways and means to eliminate illegal discharges
12. strategy for elimination of operational discharges
Litter
13. report on extent and sources and possible remedial action
Maritime Transport
14. review of existing measures
Development of parameters for the concept of clean ships

Health and Environment

15. assessment of results of monitoring programmes

 Proposals for maximum contaminant levels in food

16. proposal for revision of Bathing Water Directive

17. entry into force of Annex IV of MARPOL

Climate change

18. implementation of the Kyoto Protocol

Enhancing Co-ordination and Co-operation

19. establishment of interservice group

 Establishment of workprogramme

 Progress report

20. review establishment of Regional Advisory Councils

21. co-ordination of funding instruments

22. promotion of objectives and approaches of Marine Strategy at global level

 Seeking of membership in vital international organisations

Improving the Knowledge Base

23. initiate development of ecosystem approach

 Promote research on link between pressures and impacts

 Initiative to improve the link between research needs and research activities

 Develop proposals for a common approach on data and information

 Development of common monitoring and assessment strategy

 Evaluate provision of training

 Participation in global marine assessments