Worried about what is happening to our oceans? Take part in the conference on their future organised by the European Parliament and Commission taking place on 19 March.
The importance of healthy oceans
The oceans are of crucial importance as they are home to a rich biodiversity, act as climate regulators and offer food security. They also contribute to the European economy with a turnover of €566 billion, providing jobs for nearly 3.5 million people.
However, oceans are under increasing pressure from climate change, over-fishing, marine litter and coastal eutrophication, which is when a body of water contains excessive amounts of minerals and nutrients. This usually leads to an overgrowth of plants and algae and later on a lack of oxygen.
Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve the fragile marine ecosystems.
Conference
On 19 March, the Parliament, together with the European Commission, will host a conference on the future of oceans, with panel discussions covering global ocean governance; sustainable blue economy; and healthy, clean seas and oceans by 2030.
The conference will start at 14.00 CET with doors opening at noon.
You can register for the conference here.