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Greenpeace has taken the best available scientific data relating to
both the ecology of these seas and the threats, and identified seven
potential marine reserves in the North Sea and ten in the Baltic Sea.
Together, these would form a comprehensive network of sufficient scale,
(covering approximately 40% of the total sea area), that they would
protect habitats and species, fish spawning and nursery grounds and
ensure that the proper functioning of the ecosystem is maintained.
Greenpeace is calling upon EU states to introduce a mechanism by which
such large-scale marine reserves can be established inside the
exclusive economic zone.
Networks of marine reserves are needed not only in the North and Baltic Seas but in all regions. Such regional networks should then be linked to make up a global network.
Such a bold approach might appear uneconomic, but a 2004 study by Andrew Balmford and Callum Roberts estimated that the cost of putting 30% of the world's oceans off limits at £8 billion. This could create 1 million jobs and eventually increase the world fish catch to £44 billion.
Networks of marine reserves are needed not only in the North and Baltic Seas but in all regions. Such regional networks should then be linked to make up a global network.
Such a bold approach might appear uneconomic, but a 2004 study by Andrew Balmford and Callum Roberts estimated that the cost of putting 30% of the world's oceans off limits at £8 billion. This could create 1 million jobs and eventually increase the world fish catch to £44 billion.
