{"id":42799,"date":"2025-10-13T10:34:27","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T14:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oceana.org\/?post_type=press-releases&p=42799"},"modified":"2025-10-13T10:34:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T14:34:29","slug":"vera-coelho-appointed-to-lead-oceanas-work-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"press-releases","link":"https:\/\/oceana.org\/press-releases\/vera-coelho-appointed-to-lead-oceanas-work-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Vera Coelho Appointed to Lead Oceana\u2019s Work in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, today announced the appointment of Vera Coelho as its Executive Director and Vice President in Europe. Coelho, who joined Oceana in 2020 and has served as Deputy Vice President since 2022, has helped the organization win more than 20 policy victories for European waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are delighted that Vera will lead Oceana\u2019s team in Europe,\u201d said CEO James Simon. \u201cVera has been key to Oceana\u2019s success in Europe, including the adoption of the European Union\u2019s revised Fisheries Control Regulation and Nature Restoration laws, designation of multiple marine protected areas, and sanctions on vessels fishing illegally. Her leadership, experience, and deep understanding of EU policy and advocacy will enable us to deliver even more ocean conservation victories across Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The EU\u2019s immense coastline spans the Atlantic and Arctic oceans and the Baltic, Mediterranean, and Black seas. The EU catches nearly 6% of all fish globally, and with the largest exclusive economic zone in the world, its decisions carry enormous weight for the health of our oceans. Under Coelho\u2019s leadership, Oceana will continue campaigning to increase transparency in the fishing sector, promote responsible fishing practices, and expand protection of Europe\u2019s waters by designating new marine protected areas (MPAs) and ensuring they are safeguarded from destructive activities like bottom trawling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m honored to step into this role and continue leading Oceana\u2019s incredible team in Europe. Together, we\u2019ve shown that strong, science-based policies can deliver real results for our oceans and the communities that depend on them,\u201d Coelho said. \u201cThe task is urgent. In the years ahead, we\u2019ll keep pushing to make Europe a global leader in ocean conservation and restoration, leading to abundant fisheries and climate resilient, prosperous communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before joining Oceana, Coelho worked with The Pew Charitable Trusts to secure EU support and leadership on marine conservation and fisheries management. She also worked with Wetlands International and Seas At Risk to promote the adoption of EU environmental legislation, fisheries policy and regulation, and international treaties and agreements on climate and biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2003, Oceana has achieved more than 60 policy victories for the oceans in Europe. Just last week, Oceana\u2019s scientific expeditions, research, and advocacy led to the designation of five new MPAs in Spain<\/a>, bringing the country\u2019s total protected waters to over 22%. Oceana will continue to campaign to protect marine life and habitats and advance transparent, sustainable fishing practices that benefit all Europeans and the world\u2019s oceans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

# # #<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world\u2019s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana\u2019s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit\u202fOceana.org<\/strong>\u202fto learn more.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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