Citizens Demand Ban on Bottom Trawling in EU Marine Protected Areas

European Union citizens, along with scientists and small-scale fishers, have united in a significant push to ban bottom trawling in the region’s marine protected areas (MPAs). An open letter addressed to Commissioner Costas Kadis articulates the urgency of this demand, highlighting growing public support and scientific consensus regarding the detrimental impacts of this fishing method.

This year has seen a remarkable surge in advocacy for this cause. Over 250,000 citizens signed petitions calling for an end to bottom trawling in MPAs, and numerous legal complaints have been filed. Courts have ruled in favor of conservation, and scientific studies continue to emphasize the ecological and social benefits of prohibiting destructive fishing practices. Notably, countries like Sweden and Greece have already enacted bans within their MPAs, while Denmark has initiated similar measures affecting 19 percent of its waters.

In a recent address at the PECH Committee, Commissioner Kadis expressed his reservations about a blanket ban on bottom trawling, stating, “I am not in favor of one size fits all.” He indicated that management plans could be developed for MPAs, potentially allowing bottom trawling if deemed compatible with conservation objectives. This position, however, has raised concerns among advocates who argue that such flexibility undermines the very purpose of MPAs.

The letter from environmental advocates underscores that bottom trawling, by its very nature, damages habitats, species, and ecosystems. It is incompatible with the conservation goals set for MPAs, particularly those designated under the Natura 2000 network, which aims to protect Europe’s most valuable natural areas.

Protect Our Catch, a coalition of ocean advocacy organizations, has been at the forefront of this campaign. They argue that the current approach allows for continued damage to marine environments and fails to uphold the precautionary principles established by the Lisbon Treaty. The coalition warns that a case-by-case assessment approach could delay necessary action and contradict the objectives of the Marine Action Plan.

The call for a policy shift is gaining momentum, particularly in light of this year’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, which highlighted the hypocrisy of allowing bottom trawling in designated protected areas. Advocates stress that the Ocean Pact should not merely set aspirational targets but instead include legally binding commitments to phase out destructive fishing practices.

The letter urges Commissioner Kadis to prioritize the voices of the 73 percent of EU citizens who support a ban on bottom trawling. It also highlights the fact that 76 percent of the EU fleet comprises small-scale fishers, who typically generate more employment with lower environmental impact. As the EU navigates its policies, the question remains: will it stand with its citizens and fishermen or yield to the pressures of industrial lobbying?

A commitment to a complete ban on bottom trawling in MPAs would not only align with the EU’s environmental goals but also simplify the regulatory landscape, removing the complexities of case-by-case assessments. Advocates believe this approach could enhance the health of fishing grounds, benefiting both marine life and coastal communities reliant on sustainable fishing practices.

The time for ambiguous policy is over; the EU must demonstrate leadership by taking decisive action to protect its marine environments. As history reflects on this crucial moment, citizens and scientists alike await the Commission’s response, hoping for a commitment that secures a healthier future for Europe’s seas and the communities that depend on them.