Saving the Sea: Protecting Vulnerable Species, Fighting Invasive Invaders, and Supporting Local Fishers

The European Parliament’s 2026 resolution says that protecting the sea is essential for food security, jobs and the environment. It focuses on two main problems: sensitive species that are at risk and invasive species that damage ecosystems and fisheries.

Key facts

• 13.7 % of EU waters are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
• In 2023, 40 % of MPA zones allowed fishing, less than 25 % were restricted, and only 0.4 % were fully banned.
• 12 423 alien species are monitored in Europe; 1 440 of them are marine (11.6 %).
• 53 % of Europe’s coastlines are under pressure from invasive species. Regional figures: 33 % of the Baltic Sea, 100 % of the Black Sea, 98 % of the Mediterranean, 25 % of the Northeast Atlantic.
• 88 invasive species are listed as “Union concern” (47 animals, 41 plants).
• 94 % of people surveyed opposed selling seal products; 89 % said seal hunting is morally wrong.

What the resolution says

1. Protect sensitive species – They are key indicators of healthy seas. The EU wants to reduce accidental catches, use better fishing gear, and keep fish stocks healthy.
2. Use MPAs wisely – MPAs should be managed with science, involve fishers, and aim to protect 30 % of EU seas by 2030.
3. Collect good data – Accurate records of catches, bycatch, and species status are needed to make smart rules.
4. Fight invasive species – Invasive species hurt fisheries, aquaculture, and the economy. The EU will strengthen monitoring, early‑warning systems, and control measures, especially in the Mediterranean where invasions are fastest.
5. Support local communities – Fishers and small‑scale operators need compensation, training, and new income opportunities (e.g., using invasive species for food or bio‑products).
6. International cooperation – The EU will work with other countries, regional bodies, and global agreements to stop the spread of invasive species.
7. Funding and research – The resolution calls for more money in the next multi‑annual budget to improve fisheries, protect sensitive species, and develop new tools to detect and manage invasions.

In short, the Parliament wants a balanced approach that keeps seas healthy, protects vulnerable species, stops harmful invasions, and keeps fishing communities thriving.