France Urged to Ban Destructive Bottom Trawling in Marine Protected Areas

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Défense des Milieux Aquatiques (DMA) have issued a formal request to the French government to ban bottom trawling within marine protected areas (MPAs). They argue that allowing this environmentally damaging fishing practice in these vital sites undermines their integrity and violates both French and European Union (EU) law.

Bottom trawling, which involves dragging weighted nets across the seabed, is a major contributor to marine biodiversity loss. It causes lasting damage to seabed habitats and indiscriminately catches non-target species. Despite its detrimental impact, bottom trawling remains authorized in 77% of French marine Natura 2000 sites, a breach of environmental legislation.

Targeting Two MPAs: Chausey and Bancs des Flandres

The request focuses on two MPAs: Chausey and Bancs des Flandres, both located in the English Channel. These sites are designated for their unique sandbanks and maerl beds, crucial nurseries for marine life. However, bottom trawling continues within these areas, with alarming figures:

• Bancs des Flandres: An average of 53 bottom trawlers operated annually between 2021 and 2023, logging 4,582 hours of fishing per year.
• Chausey: An average of 24 bottom trawlers per year, with 8,129 fishing hours annually during the same period.

Despite these alarming statistics and recognized risks of degradation, bottom trawling persists in both areas, highlighting a broader failure to implement existing laws.

Call for Action: A Sustainable Future for Fisheries

“While France has made significant commitments on paper, the reality is that destructive bottom trawling continues unchecked in many of its protected areas,” said Steve Trent, EJF CEO and Founder. “The laws are clear, and the science is unequivocal – bottom trawling is incompatible with marine protected areas. France must act now to ensure that these vital protections are more than lines on a map. These areas need to be truly protected, and that means an immediate halt to bottom trawling in them all.”

The NGOs argue that prohibiting bottom trawling in MPAs is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for fisheries. Healthy habitats within and around MPAs are crucial for supporting nearby fisheries. Allowing bottom trawling in protected areas directly contradicts this goal.

“France and other EU Member States have the legal framework in place to protect their marine ecosystems. What’s missing are adequate measures to make it work in reality. We hope this legal action will spur the French government to take swift action to end destructive fishing in its protected areas”, said Philippe Garcia, President of DMA. “By respecting the law and ensuring a fair and equitable transition to more sustainable activities, France and other EU member states can keep the promises they’ve made both to their own citizens and to the international community.”

Taking Action for a Healthier Ocean

This call to action is a crucial step towards protecting our oceans and ensuring a sustainable future for marine life. Join the movement by:

• Learning more about the impact of bottom trawling and supporting organizations like the EJF and DMA.
• Contacting your elected officials and urging them to support policies that protect marine ecosystems.
• Making sustainable seafood choices and supporting responsible fishing practices.

Together, we can make a difference for our oceans.