06 May 2026
Image description: an underwater seagrass meadow. A warning from “underwater forests” New research has found that sewage and agricultural pollution in rivers is having an “alarming” impact on marine invertebrate life in Britain’s seagrass meadows. The study, carried out by Project Seagrass and Swansea University, examined 16 sites along the British coastline affected to […]
28 Oct 2025
Pacific activists protest exploration vessel as geopolitical rivalry intensifies over critical mineral resources. Photo by NOAA The United States and China are engaged in an intensifying competition for access to deep-sea mineral resources in the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone, raising concerns amongst environmental campaigners and indigenous communities about the ecological and geopolitical implications of […]
29 Apr 2025
More than 80% of the world’s coral reef areas have been exposed to the worst mass bleaching event on record, spurred by record high ocean temperatures that have spread like an underwater wildfire over corals across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. According to the new report released by the International Coral Reef […]
08 Oct 2024
I am coming. A razorbill attempts a very wobbly landing in Saltee Islands, Ireland. Photograph: Ines Godinez. Comedy wildlife photography awards 2024 Welcome to OCF’s insights from the marine and coastal sector. This week we have summarised the most relevant stories for you from Fisheries, Offshore Wind, Offshore Industries, Conservation, Climate and Marine Pollution. Fisheries […]
30 Jul 2024
The Political guidelines for the next European Commission (2024-2029) include commitment to A European Oceans Pact which will “focus on boosting the blue economy and ensuring the good governance and sustainability of our oceans in all of their dimensions”. There is also a commitment to appoint a Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner “tasked with ensuring the […]
07 Dec 2021
Peter Barham ‘There is increasing recognition of the need for greater action to restore the marine environment in the face of a continued decline in marine biodiversity. Net Gain has been identified as a potential development approach that can contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by leaving the natural environment in a measurably better […]
14 Sep 2021
Publication of the updated UK Marine Strategy Part Three Defra, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government have launched a consultation on the proposed updates to the UK Marine Strategy Part Three. The document sets out the programme of measures will implement over the next six years to achieve or maintain […]
20 Jul 2021
MMO Monitoring Marine Plans ‘Background and purpose Marine planning guides decision making in the marine area, making sure the right activities are carried out in the right place and at the right time. It enables sustainable economic growth while protecting the natural and historic environment, recognising the needs of all. Marine plans form a part […]
