Call to action for the EU countries: 3 steps to restore our seas by 2020

CCB • April 11, 2018

Despite the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008), most EU countries are a long way off in achieving their targets to protect and restore our seas to healthy status by 2020. The lack of progress is still in many areas such as overfishing, land-made pollution (plastics and contaminants) and marine protected areas (less than 1%).

We, both governments and citizens, have two years left to reach the aim and therefore a concrete and urgent action is needed. CCB has contributed to a joint proposal – led by Seas at Risk and in collaboration with the Mediterranean Information Office for the Environment and the Black Sea NGO Network – consisting of 3 key recommendations for EU Member States , urging them to respect their commitments:

1) End overfishing by:

  • Following scientific advice and setting fishing limits below the maximum sustainable yield exploitation rate.

2) Eliminate pollution by:

  • Phasing out the input of waste into the sea as part of the transition towards a truly circular economy;
  • Using the Precautionary Principle for the handling of all chemical and chemical-based products in society;
  • Increasing financial support for sustainable agriculture, such as ecological recycling agriculture and organic farming, as a starting point to tackle eutrophication;
  • Protecting marine animals from noise pollution from ships and other sea-based activities;
  • Undertaking prevention, eradication, control or management of invasive alien species, taking into account climate change/environmental changes.

3) Halt biodiversity loss by:

  • Banning high-impact human activities in Marine Protected Areas (including fisheries), unless they have no significant impact on marine ecosystems;
  • Protecting species at the top of the foodweb, such as rays and sharks.

Moreover, 172,120 concerned citizens have signed the “Save EU seas by 2020” petition that was delivered on the 10 th of April during the EU Informal Environmental Council meeting by Seas at Risk, Our Fish and WeMove.EU.

CCB and the NGOs coalition strongly believe that the fulfilment and the implementation of these recommendations will help to restore our seas and achieve all the MSFD targets by 2020 . Failure is not an option.

Related documents:

By CCB March 19, 2025
Uppsala, Sweden - 19 March 2025 - At Coalition Clean Baltic, we support open, civil, and constructive discussions. False news and hostility on X (former Twitter) have become more common in recent times and for this reason we have decided to close our account on this platform . “ Our aim has always been to engage in an open-minded exchange of relevant facts and views on environmental issues. We strive to connect with our community through inspiring actions and by advocating for the Baltic Sea, while sharing common values and principles of diversity, inclusiveness, and freedom of expression ”, says the CCB Council. Stay connected with us through the following channels: 🔹 LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube : @coalitioncleanbaltic 🔹 Newsletter – Subscribe here: https://www.ccb.se/ccb-newsletter 🔹 Website - https://www.ccb.se/ Thank you for being part of this journey - Let’s keep working together for a sustainable future and a healthier Baltic Sea!
By CCB March 14, 2025
14 March 2025 – The newly released documentary video "Focus on the Coast" takes an in-depth look at the pressing environmental threats facing the Baltic Sea coastline. Produced by Ecodefense and Coalition Clean Baltic, with financial support from the EU LIFE Programme (*), the 1-hour film explores the devastating effects of intensified storms and rising sea levels , alongside inspiring and best conservation practices in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland . Global climate change has led to catastrophic storms and floods in the Baltic Sea region, destroying unique ecosystems and causing significant harm to communities and infrastructure. However, the Baltic region has a long history of coastal conservation, with valuable lessons learned and innovative solutions implemented. "Focus on the Coast" dives deep into this critical issue, highlighting both the threats and the measures being taken to safeguard these vulnerable coastal areas. “ With this documentary, we aim to showcase not only the challenges facing the Baltic coasts but also the efforts of those working tirelessly to protect them ,” said Alexandra Koroleva, Ecodefense Co-Chairwoman, author and producer of the documentary video. “ By featuring real stories and interviews with local activists and scientists, we hope to inspire action and demonstrate that effective coastal protection is possible ”. Through experts’ insights and on-the-ground footage, viewers gain insight into why these areas need protection, the specific strategies being implemented, and how they are making a difference. The documentary also underscores the gap between international recommendations —such as those from HELCOM (2014)— and the reality of policy implementation , emphasizing the need for stronger action from governments and policymakers. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in advocating for policy change, collaborating with scientists, independently exploring the coast and taking part in practical work on coastal conservation, participating in public hearings on environmental impact assessments (EIA), organizing educational programs, working with media, attracting and engaging local residents, and encouraging municipalities to act. "Focus on the Coast" serves as a vital educational tool to support these initiatives, providing high-quality visual materials that communicate the scale of the problem and the importance of sustainable coastal management. The documentary video it´s released on CCB´s YouTube channel and will be distributed through Coalition Clean Baltic´s network and partners to raise awareness and reach policymakers, scientists, and the general public. For more information, please contact: Alexandra Koroleva, Ecodefense Co-Chairwoman, author and producer of the documentary video, ecosasha@gmail.com (*) Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor CINEA can be held responsible for them.
Share by: