NGO coalition calls for better protection on the Danish marine environment

Today a coalition of 18 green Danish NGOs, including Oceana, published a report on Denmark’s marine environment, which includes suggestions for better management and protection of the sea.

Press Release Date: October 29, 2012

Location: Madrid

Contact:

Marta Madina | email: mmadina@oceana.org | tel.: Marta Madina

The organizations are pushing to appoint three new large and coherent marine protected areas that have stricter protection than the current marine Natura 2000 sites.

The report, co-authored by Oceana, describes the marine environment in Denmark as not doing well, noting a general decline in species diversity. The decline is mainly caused by several anthropogenic activities, such as unsustainable fisheries, nutrient loads, hazardous substance discharges, raw materials extraction, physical disturbances etc.

“There are vulnerable habitats and communities in Kattegat and the Belts, which are not protected at all and are very vulnerable to bottom trawling, says Christina Abel, marine scientist at Oceana and co-author of the report. “Eighteen organizations have come together to provide solid evidence backing the need for protection, we hope that decision makers will take note and join us in our effort to improve the marine environment in Denmark”

Report: HAVETS NATUR – et oplæg til handleplan for Danmarks marine biodiversitet