The European Union has officially announced a commitment of €338.35 million to further support ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, and maritime security during the Our Ocean Conference 2026. This announcement was made by Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, at the event, which is being held on 17 and 18 June in Mombasa, Kenya.
The funding will significantly contribute to creating a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainably managed ocean on a global scale. This year’s conference, themed “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” convenes representatives from governments, civil society, and industry worldwide to celebrate cultural heritages shaped by the sea and to advocate for a collective commitment towards ensuring a resilient, equitable, and thriving ocean for generations to come.
“At today’s Our Ocean Conference 2026, the EU has committed over €338 million to safeguard our ocean. We champion international cooperation and strategic investment to shield marine ecosystems from climate change, pollution, and security risks; to deepen our understanding through observation and research; and to foster sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal communities across the globe,” said Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.
This theme aligns with the Coastal Communities Strategy recently adopted by the European Commission, which emphasises balancing environmental protection with economic and social sustainability in coastal regions. The EU’s funding will support several targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing global ocean sustainability and maritime security, including:
– Strengthening the Global Ocean Observing System and improving evidence-based decision-making for marine policies through the Commission’s OceanEye initiative.
– Enhancing maritime security by addressing piracy and unsafe navigation in regions such as the Southern Red Sea, the Horn of Africa, and the Gulf of Aden.
– Promoting Africa’s sustainable ocean and coastal economy through strategic partnerships between investors and entrepreneurs, while also scaling high-impact projects under the BlueInvest Africa initiative.
In addition, the funding will be directed towards combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, supporting the implementation of the UN Ocean Conference’s Political Declaration, and promoting sustainable management of coastal and marine resources. Efforts will also be made to address marine pollution by reducing plastic, chemical, and nutrient runoff, as well as by restoring vulnerable ecosystems. The initiative aims to expand marine protected areas, enhance scientific understanding of deep-sea biodiversity, and reinforce global conservation targets.
