Ghana's small-scale fishers spent a decade fighting for their coastal waters, winning an expanded Preferential Access Area.
In this op-ed, Kenneth Arthur (CaFGOAG) & André Dias (MARSEMPRE) reflect on lessons from Ghana as the EU prepares its #EUOceanAct.

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Thank you @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eufor convening today’s #MSFD roundtable and enabling an open exchange.

Our @verampcoelho.bsky.social called for any changes to the law to be action-oriented, focused on results, & equipped with the tools needed for implementation and enforcement. #EUOceanAct

1️⃣ “Protection that pays” showed that Marine Protected Areas pay off for nature, fishers and coastal communities when they are managed and protected, not just drawn on a map.

The #EUOceanAct must put 30% protection of EU waters by 2030, with 10% strictly protected, into EU law.

Restoring ocean health supports sustainable fishing, food security and prosperous, resilient coastal communities.

The #EUOceanAct can provide a binding, consistent framework that delivers meaningful results with the ocean at its core and healthy seas as the overarching goal.

A new Blue Manifesto assessment finds the EU is not on track to achieve a healthy ocean by 2030.

Here at #EUOceanWeek, the focus is on how an ambitious #EUOceanAct can help close the gap between commitments and action.

➡️ europe.oceana.org/press-releas...

Mark Costello (Nord University): in 90% of studies, MPAs show positive impacts on fisheries. Fully protected areas help rebuild marine life, support food security, benefit fisheries, & empower coastal communities.

A strong #EUOceanAct needs to ensure MPA effective management.

At the European Parliament today, during #EUOceanWeek, Sarah Tilkin from Naturpuunt, Seas At Risk’s member, is sharing an important message: fishers can be part of the solution, including supporting a strict protected area in Belgian waters. 🎣💙 #EUFisheries #EUOceanAct #EUBiodiversity #EUOceanWeek

We’re at #EUOceanWeek as discussions on an ambitious #EUOceanAct and the socio-economic benefits of #MPAs get underway.

A strong Ocean Act must move beyond coordination & ensure effective management, enforcement, & monitoring of MPAs to support a sustainable blue economy.

The EU often claims ocean leadership, but leaders don't just speak, they act.

An ambitious #EUOceanAct must move from words to action by creating exclusive coastal fishing zones, reserved for low-impact and small-scale fishers only.

Listen to Alexandra Cousteau📽️

#EUOceanWeek