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Ocean scientists and environmental and climate organisations have analysed fifteen election manifestos for their promises to the sea. Their findings reveal major differences between parties, and some key issues missing entirely. This is remarkable, as the sea plays a crucial role in major election themes such as the energy transition and achieving climate goals. The full Sea Guide (ZeeWijzer) is available from today at . &�Բ�����;

Master’s student Kjeld Werther and PhD candidate Mei Nelissen took the initiative to create the new Sea Guide ahead of the Dutch parliamentary elections on 29 October. By comparing the positions of the fifteen largest political parties, the ocean scientists aim to show voters what each party plans for our seas and the ocean. They hope this will push ocean protection higher up the political agenda. 

A healthy sea is crucial

Scientists have been warning for decades that seas and oceans need better protection, as they are vital for all life on Earth. Covering over 70% of the planet, they absorb around a quarter of global CO₂ emissions, regulate the climate, provide food and clean energy, host thousands of species, and form an essential link in Europe’s natural and food chains. It might seem obvious to take good care of our seas, yet not all political parties reflect that understanding in their programs.

The sea mainly seen through the lens of the energy transition

In many party manifestos, the sea is primarily viewed as a space for realising the energy transition, not as an ecosystem that deserves protection. Nearly all parties support measures to combat water pollution, except JA21.

Another striking issue is bottom-trawl fishing, which disturbs marine habitats. Scientists are calling for a ban on this type of fishing in protected marine areas, but only Partij voor de Dieren (Party for the Animals), Volt, and GroenLinks/PvdA have concrete plans to do so. By contrast, parties such as BBB, PVV, and CDA explicitly want to continue bottom trawling in protected zones.

Deep-sea mining receives barely any attention: only the Party for the Animals and GroenLinks/PvdA oppose it outright. Underwater noise, which has severe impacts on marine life, causing animals to become disoriented or lose their ability to find prey, is also almost entirely overlooked. According to the Sea Guide, the ChristenUnie is the only party taking a meaningful step in the right direction on this issue.

Political parties seem to pay little attention to the health of the ocean. That’s risky: we depend on the sea for our oxygen, food supply, and as an ally in fighting climate change.

Putting the sea and ocean in the political spotlight

Recent events have shown just how vulnerable our seas are: failed UN summits on plastic pollution, millions of tonnes of nanoplastics found in the North Atlantic, and the slow ratification of the High Seas Treaty all illustrate a worrying neglect of our planet’s largest natural area. While neighboring countries have already ratified the treaty, the Netherlands is lagging behind, and last year, the Dutch Parliament even voted against implementing it.  

Young ocean scientists behind the initiative

Initiator Kjeld Werther, a marine biology master’s student and active ocean advocate, explains: “Even as our seas become busier and competition over their use increases, political parties seem to pay little attention to the health of the ocean. That’s risky: we depend on the sea for our oxygen, food supply, and as an ally in fighting climate change. The choices we make now will determine how healthy our seas will be in the future. Fortunately, some parties do include promising ideas in their programs, and we make sure to highlight those too.”

A healthy ocean is essential to combat climate change. Acidification, warming, and pollution undermine the ocean’s ability to store CO₂ and regulate the climate.

Ocean scientist and co-initiator Mei Nelissen, a PhD candidate at the Ocean Systems Department of NIOZ (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research), adds: “A healthy ocean is essential to combat climate change. Acidification, warming, and pollution undermine the ocean’s ability to store CO₂ and regulate the climate. Biodiversity is declining, currents are shifting, and natural processes are being disrupted. The next government must commit to strong protection for our seas. Only then can we preserve this indispensable ally in the fight against the climate crisis.”