Federal government steps up marine conservation efforts
Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has presented the key elements of a plan to protect and promote the sustainable use of the seas. The measures include action to tackle so-called ghost nets.
Berlin (d.de) – Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has unveiled the key elements of an “Action Plan for the Seas”, bringing together measures to protect the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
The proposals include projects to tackle so-called ghost nets, in which fish, whales and seabirds can become entangled. The plan also aims to make lost fishing gear easier to identify and recover, while improving collection and disposal facilities in ports. In addition, it includes a pilot project on marine-friendly farming designed to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the Baltic Sea and help counter oxygen depletion.
“Our seas are in poor shape. But nature can recover if we create the refuges it needs,” Schneider said.
Marine protected areas are to be strengthened as refuges for threatened species, while projects to conserve seagrass meadows, salt marshes and kelp forests will receive greater support. These ecosystems can also absorb CO₂, making an important contribution to natural climate protection. Another priority is the recovery of legacy munitions from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
The action plan is to be developed in greater detail over the coming months together with other ministries and representatives of the farming and fishing sectors, the coastal federal states, the tourism industry and relevant organisations.
