Press Release: European Commission proposes an ambitious roadmap for enhanced protection and conservation of marine ecosystems

The European Commission presented a radical new approach to protect and conserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable use of marine resources on 11 October 2002. Responding to the threats faced by our oceans and seas, this new approach seeks to develop an integrated policy for the marine environment. As the first step towards one of the seven 'thematic strategies' announced in the EU's 6th Environmental Action Programme, the final strategy will safeguard our seas for future generations. It sets out 14 ambitious objectives and outlines a number of concrete actions needed to achieve these objectives