European Parliament : Motion for a resolution on the fight against pollution in the Mediterranean - B8-2017-0706

The European Parliament,

- having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the Mediterranean, with its 17 000 maritime species, is one of the areas with the greatest biodiversity in the world;

B. whereas threats such as overfishing, climate change and pollution are taking their toll, while trade and tourism are adding further pressure on the delicate balance of marine life in the Mediterranean;

C. whereas 96 % of floating litter sampled in the Mediterranean is plastic;

D. whereas between 21 % and 54 % of all global microplastic particles in the world are in the Mediterranean basin;

E. whereas recent studies suggest that fish are not just ingesting the small plastic fragments by accident but actively seeking them out, with potential consequences for human health related to the transfer of contaminants;

1. Urges the Member States on the Mediterranean to take measures to keep plastic out of Mediterranean waters;

2. Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the regions bordering the Mediterranean to ban key sources of marine plastics, including phasing out single-use plastic items;

3. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.