Cautious positivity for the future of aquatic conservation in Europe

Abstract

the Council of the European Union adopted the so-called Nature Restoration Law (EC., 2024). A long time coming (Cliquet et al., 2024), this new law sets legally binding obligations for the restoration of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems across the European Union (EU). It will be mandated that measures are put in place to restore at least 20% of EU land and sea areas by 2030 and to have restored all to a good condition by 2050. Habitats