Europe’s seas are under immense pressure. Over decades, destructive practices, pollution, and overexploitation have pushed marine ecosystems to breaking point. Despite covering over 70% of the planet, regulating weather, absorbing carbon, and providing oxygen, Europe’s oceans remain undervalued and unprotected. According to the European Environment Agency, more than 90% of Europe’s marine area is under pressure from human activities.

To turn the tide, 140 organisations have come together to launch the Blue Manifesto – a clear and urgent plan to restore the health of our seas and ensure their resilience for generations to come. Developed by Seas At Risk, BirdLife Europe and Central Asia, ClientEarth, Oceana, Surfrider Foundation Europe, and WWF, the manifesto outlines the concrete steps the EU must take to secure a future where the ocean thrives and marine life recovers.

The manifesto calls for a fundamental shift in the way we treat Europe’s seas. Harmful subsidies that support destructive activities must be redirected towards a dedicated EU Ocean Fund, capable of financing the protection and recovery of marine ecosystems. Destructive practices must be banned and policies to protect at least 30% of Europe’s seas, with strict protections for the most vulnerable areas, are essential to reversing decades of damage.

Pollution remains a major threat, with plastics and harmful chemicals infiltrating every level of the marine environment. The Blue Manifesto highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation to address the root causes of this crisis – from tackling harmful plastics throughout their entire lifecycle to banning toxic substances like Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In addition, steps must be taken to mitigate the impact of other marine industries such as fisheries and shipping, which continues to threaten critical marine habitats.

A healthy ocean is not only an environmental priority but also an economic and social one. The Blue Manifesto advocates for a fair transition to a sustainable blue economy that respects ecological limits and prioritises long-term ocean health over short-term exploitation. By reforming outdated policies and reinforcing coherence and implementation for the other , resources can be redirected to support sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.

The solutions already exist. The Blue Manifesto provides a step-by-step plan that can guide EU leadership towards delivering the protection and restoration that Europe’s seas so desperately need. With political will and proper funding, the EU has the opportunity to secure a healthy, thriving ocean that supports life and livelihoods.