Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd

We welcome the development of a European strategy for ocean research and innovation. The strategy should ensure that research produces practical, accessible and timely benefits for marine biodiversity, coastal communities, public safety and evidence-based decision-making. Ocean research in Europe remains fragmented across institutions, countries, programmes and data platforms.

We support the objective of improving legal clarity and practical implementation, provided that any simplification does not weaken the core conservation commitments of the Common Fisheries Policy, in particular the requirement to restore and maintain fish stocks above levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield.

Fishing opportunities for 2027 must follow scientific advice, the precautionary principle and an ecosystem-based approach. Short-term economic pressure should not justify catch limits that delay stock recovery. Where scientific evidence is uncertain or data are insufficient, fishing mortality should be reduced rather than assuming that continued exploitation is safe.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) and EIONET provide clear European added value by creating a common evidence base for environmental policy and improving comparability between countries. Their role is increasingly important as biodiversity loss, climate change, invasive alien species and other environmental pressures require information that is scientifically robust, accessible and available quickly enough to…