Atlantic action plan revealed

The Action Plan follows on from the Atlantic Strategy adopted by the EC in 2011 and it aims to demonstrate how the EU’s Atlantic member states can help create sustainable growth and preserve the environmental stability of the Atlantic Ocean.

Traditional activities such as fisheries and aquaculture, shipping and offshore renewable are doing a lot to move the “blue economy” forward according to the EC, which says that these sectors have the potential to provide 7 million jobs in Europe by 2020.

But the aim of the Action Plan is to get Member States working more closely together to share information in cost, results and best practice under the auspices of the EU’s Blue Growth project.

Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: “Our maritime strategy for the Atlantic will explore its immense potential for the future sustainable development of Europe. Together with our six Atlantic Members States, we will exploit the common challenges and opportunities the Atlantic offers us, from issues like coastal tourism and fisheries to renewable energy, mineral seabed exploration and marine biotechnology.”

Aspects of the Action Plan could be considered for EU financing in the new programming period 2014-2020.

The Action Plan will now be passed on to the European Parliament and the Council for endorsement.