Nicosia: Oceana urges the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU to secure decades of progress on rebuilding fisheries and to pursue ocean health as a strategic pillar for EU security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, has released a statement urging Cyprus to guide the EU towards a strategic focus on ocean restoration. This move is seen as essential for enhancing Europe's security by ensuring food provision, employment, and resilience against the climate crisis.
The press release emphasizes the importance of the first semester of 2026 in preserving effective fisheries legislation and formulating a coherent framework to protect the ocean and its reliant communities. Vera Coelho, Oceana's Executive Director and Vice President in Europe, highlighted Cyprus's critical position in addressing climate change impacts and fish stock depletion in the Mediterranean.
Coelho pointed out that as an island nation and the home country of the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, Cyprus is uniquely positioned to lead the next decade of ocean policy. She stressed the need for this Presidency to defend the gains of ocean recovery, which are now at risk due to industrial lobbying for 'simplification'.
Oceana also stresses that efforts such as developing the EU Ocean Act, publishing a 2040 vision for EU fisheries, achieving marine protection targets, and combating illegal fishing will remain priorities on the EU ocean agenda in 2026.