International ocean governance - consultation
04 June 2015by eub2 -- last modified 04 June 2015
The European Commission launched on 4 June a public consultation, to collect views on how the EU could contribute to achieving better international governance of oceans and seas to the benefit of sustainable blue growth.
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The international discussion on ocean governance is growing as the use of marine resources is increasing globally. Illegal fishing, uncontrolled seabed mining, marine litter are only some of the challenges that need to be addressed through global cooperation. The existing international ocean governance framework could be ineffective in addressing such maritime challenges; particularly in the 60 per cent of the oceans that are beyond national jurisdictions.
The EU plays a prominent role in this discussion. The blue economy already produces 5% of its GDP and provides nearly 5 million jobs. Moreover, the EU is a global frontrunner in the development of sustainable ocean based economies through its robust set of environmental rules, integrated maritime policy, reformed Common Fisheries Policy and its global fight against illegal fishing.
In order to assess the best path for action and the EU's role in this, the Commission is reaching out to all stakeholders - international organisations, state actors, NGOs, business, the research community, academia and civil society – via an online public consultation. The consultation will be complemented by a "listening tour" during which Commissioner Vella will personally engage with stakeholders and international partners to gather their views and discuss possible ways forward.
The public consultation will run until 15 September 2015.
