In the European Union, the conservation and management of the marine environment have not yet reached the same level of development as in the terrestrial realm. Despite the progress made in recent years, significant challenges remain in consolidating a coherent marine Natura 2000 network and advancing toward integrated and effective management of marine protected areas. The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and other European regulations establish the obligation to identify and protect habitats and species of Community interest, define conservation measures, and create a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Marine conservation in Europe still faces significant knowledge gaps, particularly in deep and hard-to-access environments.
These ecosystems host high levels of biodiversity but are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of human activities such as bottom trawling, hydrocarbon extraction, and deep-sea mining.
The lack of robust scientific information limits the assessment of conservation status and the ability to design effective management and restoration measures, delaying progress toward European objectives for marine protection.
Sectors: Fisheries and aquaculture sector, Offshore sector
Research lines: Environmental management of seas and coasts
Research sublines: Conservation and restoration of marine species and habitats