Following adoption of a Joint Communication on International Ocean Governance two years ago, considerable progress has been made in improving international ocean governance, as announced in a progress report on ocean governance last week. The 50 actions for safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed oceans in Europe and round the world are all successfully being implemented, and the work will continue.

EUR 590 million have so far been engaged under EU development policy to promote better ocean governance with non-EU countries and over EUR 500 million on marine research under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The blue ocean economy offers significant opportunities for sustainable, innovative growth and decent jobs.

Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said: “Oceans make up 70% of the planet and absorb 25% of the global C02 emissions. I am happy that with our agenda for the future of our oceans, EU’s role in oceans’ management has strengthened and action has intensified. But the challenges that the oceans face are as big as the oceans themselves - climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, overfishing. We need to continue our work.”