Prime Highlights:
- Vera Coelho has been appointed Executive Director and Vice President of Oceana Europe, leading campaigns to protect and restore European oceans.
- Under her leadership, Oceana will focus on promoting responsible fishing and expanding marine protected areas.
Key Facts:
- Coelho joined Oceana in 2020 and helped secure over 20 policy victories for European waters.
- Europe’s coastline spans the Atlantic, Arctic, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Black seas, and the EU accounts for nearly 6% of the world’s fish catches.
Key Background:
Oceana, the world’s largest organization focused solely on protecting the oceans, has appointed Vera Coelho as its Executive Director and Vice President for Europe. Coelho joined Oceana in 2020 and has been Deputy Vice President since 2022, helping the organization achieve more than 20 policy victories to protect European waters.
In her new role, Coelho will lead campaigns to protect Europe’s oceans, promote responsible fishing, and expand marine protected areas (MPAs). Her appointment shows Oceana’s focus on science-based conservation and effective advocacy across Europe.
James Simon, Oceana’s CEO, praised Coelho, saying, “Vera Coelho
has been key to Oceana’s successes in Europe, including the EU’s updated Fisheries Control Regulation and Nature Restoration laws, and the creation of several marine protected areas. Her knowledge of EU policy will help us achieve even more conservation wins.”
Europe’s coastline stretches across the Atlantic, Arctic, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Black seas, making it very important globally. The European Union accounts for nearly 6% of the world’s fish catches and manages the largest exclusive economic zone, so its policies have a major impact on ocean health worldwide. Under Coelho’s guidance, Oceana plans to increase transparency in fisheries, prevent destructive practices like bottom trawling, and ensure newly designated MPAs are effectively protected.
“I’m honored to lead Oceana’s European team,” Coelho said. “Together, we’ve proven that science-based policies can deliver tangible results for our oceans and the communities that depend on them. The work ahead is urgent, and we will continue striving to make Europe a global leader in ocean conservation and restoration.”
Before joining Oceana, Coelho contributed to marine conservation initiatives with The Pew Charitable Trusts, Wetlands International, and Seas At Risk, advocating for environmental legislation, fisheries management, and international agreements on biodiversity and climate.
Since 2003, Oceana has achieved over 60 policy victories in Europe, including the recent designation of five new marine protected areas in Spain. Oceana focuses on sustainable fishing and restoring the oceans to keep them full of life, supporting both people and the planet.
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