EU set to miss 2030 marine protection targets, auditors warn

AI Summary

EU auditors warn that the bloc is likely to miss its 2030 marine protection targets. Although 14% of EU waters are designated protected areas, less than 1% is under strict protection, leaving ecosystems exposed to harmful fishing practices.

Despite designating 14% of its waters as protected areas, the EU has placed less than 1% under strict protection, leaving marine ecosystems vulnerable to damaging fishing practices and putting its 2030 biodiversity targets at risk.