EEA ‘The current condition of Europes seas is generally poor according to the EEA report Marine Messages II. This is bad news for people as it affects our quality of life, livelihoods and economies. The condition of our seas determines their capacity to supply, amongst others, oxygen, food, a habitable climate, and certain raw materials, and it also supports our recreation, leisure and health. Historic and current use of our seas from the Baltic to the Mediterranean is taking its toll, resulting in changes in the composition of marine species and habitats to changes in the seas overall physical and chemical make-up. Added to these complex problems is climate change, which is worsening the impacts of the other threats. The combined effects of these changes are currently on a path which could cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems, the EEA report says. There are, however, signs of marine ecosystem recovery in some areas as a result of significant, often decade-long, efforts to reduce certain impacts.’

The EEA report Marine Messages II builds upon the following series of thematic assessments:

• Contaminants in Europe’s seas Moving towards a clean, non-toxic marine environment
• Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in Europe’s seas Moving towards a healthy marine environment
• Biodiversity in Europe’s seas
• Multiple pressures and their combined effects in Europe’s seas

Click here to access these reports