We all depend on the ocean to survive. Yet, most of us take it for granted and we often forget that it provides us with the food we eat and generates much of the oxygen we breathe.

However, until now, most of the ocean has been ungoverned and its marine biodiversity has been unprotected, which has facilitated unsustainable practices, illegal fishing, pollution and the loss of marine habitats.

The EU aims to strengthen collective efforts to address these issues.