MARINE HABITATS: SEAGRASSES, THE FORESTS OF THE SEA

Marine areas also contain a rich diversity of habitats and those protected in EU seas include sandbanks, Posidonia seagrass beds, sea caves, reefs and deep-sea habitats such as submarine structures formed by leaking gases. Most of these habitats also host rich animal communities. Posidonia beds for instance provide homes for many of them – but they are also under threat.

MARINE MAMMALS

Thirty-four species of whales, dolphins and porpoises — collectively known as cetaceans — are found in European seas. These represent 42 percent of cetacean species known around the globe, and include the Common or Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), the common Bottle-nosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus). Many cetacean species are good divers. The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus), for example, can dive to depths of more than 2,000 metres in search of its preferred food, the giant squid.

All marine mammals across the EU are strictly protected under the Habitats Directive. EU Member States must take appropriate actions to avoid negative impacts on cetacean populations. In order to comply with EU law, many countries have regulated tourism activities to prevent disturbance to cetaceans. In addition, in a joint European effort coordinated by the European Environment Agency (EEA), Member States must regularly assess and report on the status of marine mammal species. The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive also addresses the issue of underwater noise, as well as other pressures on marine mammals.

OTHER EU EFFORTS TO PROTECT OUR COASTS AND SEAS

Many of the efforts and successes to safeguard Europe’s marine environment are coordinated at the European level. In addition to the Habitats and Birds Directives, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive is specifically devoted to addressing the main pressures on the marine environment and aims to ensure that the condition of our seas improves.

The European Commission has also launched the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to eliminate or reduce bycatch of threatened species to a level that allows species to recover.

Marine litter has become a serious problem for many coastal and marine habitats and species. In the EU, 80-85 percent of marine litter is plastic (of which single-use plastic products account for 50 percent) and fishing-related items account for 27 percent. The EU Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment introduces measures to ban single-use products made of plastic for which an alternative is available on the market, to reduce food containers and beverage cups made of plastic, and a separate collection target for plastic bottles.

The EU provides financial support for the conservation of marine biodiversity through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the EU LIFE programme. Many successful marine and coastal projects have been funded under these two programmes.