Russian shipyard planned in Gulf of Finland close to RAMSAR area
CCB • August 17, 2009
Russia is planning for a new shipyard in Primorsk, Gulf of Finland. The planned localization will be close to the Russian RAMSAR site “Birch Islands”, an area most important for bird protection and bird migration (e.g. whopper swan). Important local nature conservation and recreational values are also threatened by the plans. CCB proposes, in a letter to the Russian Prime Minister and Governor of Leningrad Oblast, to consider alternative localization of the shipyard, to minimize the impact on international and regional nature conservation values.
Widespread exploitation of the critically endangered European eel population continues against scientific advice, despite few signs of recovery. Yesterday, the International Exploration of the Sea, ICES, published its scientific advice on fishing opportunities and conservation for European eel for 2026. As in previous years, ICES advises zero catch for all life stages, all uses and in all habitats. The conservation advice is to reduce other human-related mortalities to zero and restore habitats.
EU Council decision on 2026 fishing limits fails to implement legally required safeguards, jeopardising the fragile marine ecosystem