Key Impact Points:
- €301.5 million pledged at Our Ocean Conference by the EU across 6 ocean sustainability sectors, including marine pollution, fisheries, and digital ocean initiatives.
- €120 million allocated to African and Pacific nations for sustainable blue economy development and ocean governance.
- €40 million set aside to support marine biodiversity and accelerate ratification of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement).
EU Announces Major Ocean Funding Package at Our Ocean Conference
At the 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea, the European Union committed over €301 million to safeguard ocean health, promote a sustainable blue economy, and combat marine pollution. The funding supports six priority areas: sustainable blue economy, marine pollution, marine protected areas, digital oceans, sustainable fisheries, and ocean-climate action.
Key Blue Economy Investments
The EU earmarked €120 million to help African and Pacific nations strengthen ocean governance and grow their blue economies sustainably—€58 million for the Western Indian Ocean, €42 million for Central Africa, and €20 million for the Pacific.
Fighting Marine Pollution
The EU pledged €65.5 million—pending final approval—to reduce aquatic pollution. This includes:
- €18 million for developing a European aquatic litter monitoring strategy
- €43.5 million to support authorities in pollution elimination and blue economy transition
- €4 million for technical assistance across 50 local communities
Biodiversity and Digital Ocean Commitments
The EU will invest €40 million to help partner countries manage marine biodiversity and ratify the BBNJ (High Seas Treaty).
Through the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, €30 million will go toward building a Digital Twin Ocean, advancing marine data and modeling.
Protecting Fisheries and Climate
An additional €2.5 million will go to implement the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), targeting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The EU will also fund €985,000 to boost the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS), fostering global collaboration on marine science and policy.
Ocean as a Strategic Priority
“The ocean is under pressure: it suffers from global warming, unsustainable practices, illegal fishing, pollution and the loss of marine habitats.”
The EU reiterated its leadership in ocean protection under the European Commission’s mandate. The upcoming European Ocean Pact will soon offer a unified framework for ocean policy across the bloc.
Since its 2014 inception, the Our Ocean Conference has mobilized over 2,600 commitments worth €140 trillion globally. The EU’s new funding and digital tracking tool aim to ensure transparency and lasting impact.
Related Article: Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate: World Ocean Day
