Extinction risks to whales, dolphins and porpoises – over 350 scientists warn in an open letter

CCB • October 12, 2020

On Friday 9 October 2020, an open letter from more than 350 cetacean scientists highlighting the real and imminent extinction risk to whales, dolphins and porpoises has been published. One of the populations under threat is the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise.

In this letter, scientists from all over the world highlighted that “of the 90 living species of cetaceans, more than half now have a concerning conservation status according to the IUCN , with 13 species listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’, 7 as ‘Vulnerable’ and 7 as ‘Near Threatened’, whilst 24 species are ‘Data Deficient’.”

The cetaceans experts are asking for actions. The situation is urgent and it’s known that cetacean populations can be lost very quickly.
That’s why they call on:

  • countries with cetaceans in their waters to take precautionary action to ensure these species and populations are adequately protected from human activities.
  • all nations to both work with and strengthen the relevant international bodies that seek to address threats to cetaceans.

Ida Carlén, CCB Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Officer and harbour porpoise expert has been interviewed by the Swedish television program TV4 Nyheterna about the open letter, which she signed, and the status of the critically endangered Baltic porpoise population.

“Work is being done to take measures to save the Baltic porpoise, but we need to move faster.”

affirmed Ida Carlén.

You can read the full letter here. 
To watch the interview with Ida Carlén (in Swedish): https://bit.ly/34OH9zf

Please bring this statement to the attention of the relevant policy makers
in your country to help in the protection of these cetaceans.

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.