The North Sea Conservation Mission

Once a hotspot for big-game fishing, the North Sea’s rich ecosystem faced centuries of decline due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change. By the mid-20th century, key species like tuna, herring, and cod had nearly vanished, exposing the severe degradation of this vital marine environment.

However, signs of recovery are emerging. Conservationists report increased sightings of bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, and grey seals along England’s North Sea coast. Grey seals, once at risk, now thrive, with record-breaking numbers of pups born annually on Norfolk beaches. Bottlenose dolphins, previously absent from Yorkshire waters, are now calving there, signalling an abundance of food.

Improved marine protections, such as bans on commercial sandeel fishing and EU catch limits, are aiding species recovery. While challenges like offshore wind expansion remain, there’s cautious optimism for the return of iconic species like bluefin tuna, orca, and salmon.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/09/north-sea-bouncing-back-glory-days-grey-seals-minke-whales-bluefin-tuna-aoe

Author: Sylvia Jacobs

Schreibe einen Kommentar

Deine E-Mail-Adresse wird nicht veröffentlicht. Erforderliche Felder sind mit * markiert