Assessment of the existing EU policy tools in the field of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and other ocean-related Agenda 2030 targets

This study assesses whether the policy instruments put in place by the European Union (EU) and its Member States have helped achieve progress in the implementation of SDG14 and other ocean-related targets of the 2030 Agenda. It identifies potential policy gaps and explores concrete actions that could support the path towards conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources. The evidence collected shows that the EU policy framework contributing to the achievement of SDG14 and other ocean-related targets is largely relevant and coherent, as well as strongly linked to the ocean-related targets. The EU and its Member States are taking strong action to improve the status of the marine environment. They can look back on a number of achievements, for instance the restoration of some fish stocks and the establishment of marine protected areas. However, they are far from reversing negative trends, for example on ocean acidification, where tangible results and impacts are yet to materialise. While no significant gaps in the policy framework were identified, qualitative and quantitative results show that most SDG14 targets are unlikely to be met by the stipulated timelines. There is therefore clear added value in the continuation and even strengthening of EU action.