Biodiversitätsstrategie: EU droht Meeresschutzziel für 2030 zu verfehlen

Luxemburg - The European Union may fail to meet its 2030 marine protection target, according to a report by the European Court of Auditors. The auditors found that not enough ocean space is currently protected, and that concrete rules are lacking in many areas to ensure the protection actually works. This issue stems from the EU's Biodiversity Strategy, which aims for at least 30% of EU waters to be protected by 2030, with 10% of that designated as strictly protected areas where fishing is prohibited.

The auditors reported that only around 14% of marine waters are currently designated as protected areas, and less than 1% is under strict protection. They criticized the lack of effective rules attached to protection status, with only about 15% of the protected area having permanent catch limits. Fishing and other activities that damage the seabed were identified as major threats to biodiversity.

Other problems include staffing shortages, funding issues, and lack of climate change adaptation plans in some areas. The auditors urged for more concrete protection measures and closer cooperation between EU states and the Commission. They also called for greater involvement of people in coastal regions in decision-making. The EU Commission acknowledged the auditors' recommendations and plans to investigate obstacles in fisheries protection measures and ways to make procedures more efficient.