CCB concerns regarding contamination of River Odra

17 August 2022 - Yesterday CCB sent a letter to the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) and the International Commission for the Protection of the Odra River against Pollution (ICPO) expressing the concerns raised by our members in Poland and Germany about the dramatic pollution incident that is currently ongoing along the Odra River.

"We have regretfully learnt that starting from the end of July a devastating contamination of Odra has caused death of tons of fish, mammals and waterfowl birds along hundreds of kilometres up- and down-stream the third biggest by catchment area river in the Baltic Sea basin. This pollution incident has al-ready affected two out of three countries in the Odra catchment, causing adverse environmental, economic and social impacts.

Evidences collected so far, according to the national and international media, vary in terms of potential cause of the incident (mesitylene, mercury), its origin (middle or upper stream) and consequences. It is of the priority to cope with those, as well as to find and prosecute the polluter.

However, CCB would wish to raise also our concerns both to the fact that such a major pollution incident has not been timely reported between the neighbouring states, following the procedures of recently revised ICPO’s Emergency plan for the Odra River, nor properly communicated to both ICPO and HELCOM. The latter is equally important as Odra discharges to the Baltic Sea, being already significantly contaminated by hazardous substances.

CCB calls on both ICPO and HELCOM, in coordination with national authorities of Poland and Germany, to support all necessary efforts for the clean-up and restoration of the contaminated river, as well as for thorough investigation of this pollution incident.

Such a joint action may also strengthen in practice the cooperation with river basin management authorities and transboundary river commissions, as envisaged in the revised HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan to reach of the good environmental and ecological status of the sea and its catchment.

Environmental NGOs are also eager to support the investigation and recovery actions with our capacities and competencies, both in the field and desktop activities."

Ewa Leś,

CCB Working Area Leader Eutrophication,

Koalicja Ratujmy Rzeki Observer at ICPO

Mikhail Durkin,

CCB Executive Secretary

NOTES

- Full letter sent to HELCOM and ICPO on 16 August 2022.

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Job vacancy: Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover)

By CCB • February 24, 2026

Coalition Clean Baltic – CCB is a politically independent network, uniting 28 environmental non-profit organizations, as well as partners and experts from 11 countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the environment and natural resources of the Baltic Sea region by encouraging new and constructive approaches and engaging people to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem. CCB Secretariat is based in Uppsala, Sweden. About the Role Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) is seeking a Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover) to join its International Secretariat and contribute substantively to regional and EU-level marine advocacy, with a particular focus on the Baltic Sea. The Marine Policy Officer will support the implementation of EU and international marine environmental policy frameworks — notably the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD) and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) . All work is grounded in the promotion of ecosystem-based management. The role includes close collaboration with the rest of the Secretariat team as well as CCB member organisations to deliver policy initiatives, advocacy actions, and strategic programme objectives. The Marine Policy Officer will also support the International Secretariat in fundraising, with a focus on the EU LIFE operational grant application. Key Responsibilities Policy & Advocacy Support the implementation of CCB’s strategic plan on marine biodiversity policy. Contribute to marine policy advocacy at EU and at Baltic Sea regional levels (e.g. HELCOM, EU Commission expert groups). Provide input to the implementation and revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Collect evidence and views to provide NGO inputs to the forthcoming EU Ocean Act and related initiatives. Support the implementation of the Helsinki Convention and Baltic Sea Action Plan. Engage in the revision processes related to the Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD). Programme & Grant Delivery Provide critical support in fundraising, i.e. project proposal development, especially for securing core grant funding (e.g. for the EU LIFE Programme and potentially Horizon programme). Contribute to CCB´s project management, implementation and reporting activities for various projects. Coordination & Monitoring Closely coordinate marine biodiversity policy work with CCB member organisations. Monitor global, EU, and regional marine policy developments. Liaise with partner NGOs and civil society organisations. Communications & Policy Products Draft position papers, policy briefings, consultation inputs and technical reports on relevant files. Support communications and outreach on marine policy issues. Help organise workshops, conferences, and stakeholder events. Represent CCB in policy dialogues, expert groups, and stakeholder forums at the EU and Baltic Sea level. Cross-organisational Support within the Secretariat and its members Contribute to other CCB thematic working areas as required. Profile We are seeking a policy professional who is: Solutions-oriented and adaptable Experienced in advocacy or campaigning Collaborative and team-driven Passionate about marine conservation Organised, diplomatic, and stakeholder-confident Required Qualifications & Experience Demonstrable professional experience in marine or environmental policy. Working knowledge of key EU frameworks, particularly the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Knowledge of Helcom BSAP is an asset. Postgraduate qualification in marine science, ecology, conservation, water management, or related discipline with substantial marine focus. Eligibility to work and travel within the EU (citizenship or valid permit) with residency in Sweden. Excellent written and spoken English. CCB also welcomes applicants from broader environmental policy/law backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant knowledge. Desirable Skills Experience within the NGO or civil society sector preferred. Advocacy or campaigning experience within the EU, the Baltic Sea or international environmental policy processes. Working knowledge of a Baltic Sea region language (e.g. Swedish, Danish, Finnish, German, Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian).

CCB´s submission to the EU Call for Evidence on the Ocean Act

By CCB • February 19, 2026

Uppsala, February 2025 - CCB supports the Ocean Pact and Ocean Act objectives for improving coherence, coordination and effectiveness of EU ocean governance. Yet, in order to achieve this, the Act has to deliver truly ecosystem-based management of our seas and make reaching Good Environmental Status, as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a cornerstone of the Act. The Ocean Act can set us on a path to recovery of the marine environment under a sustainable and just blue economy, but only if the Act includes the points outlined below and is implemented swiftly and fully.