Urgent Call to Action: Protect Europe’s Marine Protected Areas from Destructive Fishing Practices

In a recent campaign addressing French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, a coalition of environmental advocates is calling for immediate action to halt destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling. These actions risk stripping European marine protected areas (MPAs) of their marine life, impacting biodiversity, small-scale fishers, and efforts to address climate change.

Impact of Bottom Trawling on Marine Ecosystems

Bottom trawling, an environmentally detrimental fishing technique in which heavy nets are dragged along the ocean floor, continues to wreak havoc on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Despite being designated as MPAs, regions purportedly safeguarded to protect natural resources and habitats often suffer from the devastation caused by bottom trawling. This practice is not only the leading contributor to CO₂ emissions due to heavy fuel consumption and sediment disturbances but also jeopardizes the livelihoods and economies of coastal communities reliant on sustainable fishing practices.

France’s Commitment to Marine Protection

President Macron declared in June 2022 that the world must set ambitious goals for biodiversity, particularly in relation to oceans. However, recent actions suggest a lapse in France’s commitment to banning damaging fishing practices within protected areas. This stance tarnishes France’s reputation as a steward of ocean conservation.

EU Leadership Needed

The campaign underscores the necessity for EU leadership in enforcing existing regulations, particularly the Habitats Directive, and taking decisive steps to eradicate destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling in MPAs. Through continuous advocacy throughout the year in Brussels, the Protect Our Catch initiative aims to bring about comprehensive reform.

Public Opinion and Citizen Support

Constituent support for robust marine protection is on the rise across Europe. Polls indicate that 90% of citizens view MPAs as essential for preserving marine biodiversity, with 73% in favor of banning bottom trawling within these protected areas. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of European activists are advocating for an end to bottom trawling in MPAs.

Statements from Industry Experts

Isaac Moya, Co-founder of Empesca’t in Catalunya: “As small-scale fishers, we rely on traditional, low-impact methods that respect the ocean and our culture. Industrial and bottom trawling in marine protected areas threaten our future. Ensuring the continuity of our profession necessitates the protection and promotion of artisanal fishing.”

Federico Gelmi, Low-Impact Fisher from Pantelleria, Italy: “Bottom trawling in MPAs is incompatible with sustainable fishing. Science and experience confirm we need to safeguard our ocean to continue fishing.”

Claire Nouvian, Founder & General Director, BLOOM: “France is addressing the climate, social, and environmental emergencies with insufficient action. It is imperative to halt ocean destruction and fully protect it. President Macron must respond to these challenges by establishing genuine MPAs free from industrial activities like bottom trawling and advocating for legislation on fossil fuel non-proliferation.”

Clare Brook, CEO of Blue Marine Foundation: “Bottom trawling is a destructive, indiscriminate fishing technique that damages marine habitats, depletes marine life, and diminishes the ocean’s capacity for carbon sequestration. Yet, most MPAs allow this harmful activity, compromising ocean health. Bottom trawling must be wholly excluded from all MPAs.”

Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of EJF: “Most European ‘Marine Protected Areas’ are merely lines on a map, failing to shield vital habitats from destruction. The science unequivocally opposes bottom trawling in these areas. EU leaders must ban this practice to protect wildlife, people, and the ocean.”

Nicolas Fournier, Campaign Director at Oceana in Europe: “With rising political momentum ahead of the UN Ocean Conference, EU leaders cannot ignore public cries against damage to MPAs by bottom trawling. Citizens are demanding meaningful marine protection. The European Commission must recognize the role of MPAs in supporting fishers and coastal communities, especially in the face of climate change impacts.”

Tatiana Nuño, Senior Marine Policy Officer from Seas At Risk: “Given the EU’s focus on competitiveness, MPAs are key to a sustainable blue economy, promoting both ocean health and economic benefits. They help restore fish stocks, secure sustainable fishing jobs, and contribute to the EU economy with an estimated €8 billion profit over two decades from banning bottom trawling. If Commissioner Kadis is serious about an EU Ocean Pact, the prohibition of bottom trawling within MPAs must be prioritized.”

About the Organizations

BLOOM, a non-profit established in 2005, works to preserve marine environments and species, promote social benefits in the fishing sector, and accelerate concrete solutions for the ocean, humans, and the climate through advocacy campaigns, research projects, and evaluations.

Blue Marine, a UK ocean conservation charity launched in 2010, aims to restore ocean health by curbing overfishing. The charity focuses on creating marine reserves, restoring habitats, and establishing sustainable fishing models, striving to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.

EJF operates internationally to drive environmental policy reforms, expose abuses, and support defenders, communities, and journalists on environmental frontlines. Their campaigns aim for peaceful, equitable, and sustainable futures.

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. The organization fights overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and threats to marine species, achieving more than 300 victories to date.

Only One campaigns for ocean and climate policy change, aiming to restore ocean health and recognize its vital role in addressing climate change.

Seas At Risk, a Brussels-based NGO, campaigns for marine environment protection and restoration by working with its 30+ European members.

Tara Ocean Foundation, a French public interest foundation founded over 20 years ago, conducts scientific expeditions and raises awareness about marine biodiversity and climate change impacts.

Media Contact

Alice Lorfeuvre

Email: media@protectourcatch.org

WhatsApp: +33646278607

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