Xinhua News Agency Valletta, Oct. 5 (Reporter Yuan Yun) EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini announced at the 4th "Our Ocean" international Conference held in Malta on the 5th that the EU will invest more than 550 million euros and take 36 actions to control the ocean. Mogherini said the oceans have become increasingly unhealthy in recent years, and by 2050 there may be more plastic in the oceans than fish, and "the poison we throw into the sea will return to the table and hide in the food we eat". At the same time, the oceans are becoming less safe, with severe weather such as cyclones becoming more frequent and rising sea levels forcing millions of people from their homes.

To this end, the European Union, which is hosting the conference, has committed more than 550 million euros to 36 actions to make the oceans healthier, cleaner and safer. The actions cover six areas: maritime security, Marine pollution, the blue economy, climate change, ocean protection and sustainable fisheries. Among them, 37.5 million euros will be used to combat piracy off the coast of southeast Africa. Separately, the EU will phase out drinking fountains, vending machines and single-use plastic water cups in all EU buildings by the end of 2017.

Mogherini said international cooperation was essential to ensure the health and safety of the oceans. The EU is working with partners around the world to combat coastal economic crime, monitor pollution incidents such as oil spills and use the EU's advanced satellite system to serve global maritime security.

The fourth two-day "Our Ocean" International Conference was attended by representatives from more than 100 countries and regions, many organizations and multinational companies. Initiated by former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, the first "Our Ocean" conference was held in Washington, and Indonesia will host the next one in 2018.

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