The Ecosystem Approach

It is clear that current management regimes are to blame for the widespread degradation of Europe’s seas. It is further widely accepted amongst many policy makers, scientists and others that we must therefore adopt a radical new approach to managing Europe’s seas – one that is precautionary in nature and has protection of the whole marine ecosystem as its primary objective. Such an ecosystem-based approach is vital if we are to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.