Coalition Pressures Commissioner Kadis on MPA Bottom Trawling Ban

Civil Society, Fishers, and Scientists Challenge EU’s Stance on Bottom Trawling in Marine Protected Areas

As EU Ocean Days concluded, a coalition of environmental NGOs, scientists, and small-scale fishers renewed their demand for the European Commission to ban bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The pressure follows Commissioner Kadis’ ambiguous stance on the issue, where he stated, “my answer is: it depends,” when asked about the regulation of bottom trawling in MPAs.

Environmental groups, including BLOOM, Blue Marine Foundation, Oceana, and Seas At Risk, argue that bottom trawling is incompatible with marine conservation efforts, citing extensive scientific research on its destructive impact on seabed ecosystems and fish populations. Scientists warn that continued allowances for this practice undermine Europe’s environmental leadership and contradict the EU’s commitment to restoring marine biodiversity.

Scientists Warn Against a ‘Case-by-Case’ Approach

Enric Sala, Executive Director at National Geographic Pristine Seas, criticised the lack of firm action, stating:

“As scientists, we cannot accept a ‘case-by-case’ approach when the evidence is overwhelming. Bottom trawling devastates the seafloor, depletes fish populations, and releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Allowing exceptions in MPAs undermines European conservation efforts and threatens the future of our oceans.”

Dr Monica Verbeek, Executive Director of Seas At Risk, urged Commissioner Kadis to ensure full enforcement of existing regulations, stating that “until real protection is implemented, marine ecosystems will remain at risk.”

Economic and Ecological Arguments for a Ban

NGOs highlight that banning bottom trawling in MPAs is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. A socioeconomic analysis projects a net economic gain of €8.4 billion over two decades if destructive fishing is removed from MPAs. The study suggests that for every €1 invested, there would be a €3.41 return, with benefits outweighing costs within just four years.

Small-scale and low-impact fishers also support the call for action, arguing that industrial trawling depletes fish stocks and threatens traditional livelihoods. Fisherman Isaac Moya, co-founder of Sustainable Fisheries Collective Empesca’t, stated:

“We depend on a healthy ocean to make a living. Bottom trawling in MPAs damages the seabed and disrupts marine life, making it harder for sustainable fishers to survive.”

Calls for Immediate Action Ahead of UN Ocean Conference

With just over three months until the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025) in Nice, environmental groups and industry stakeholders are urging the European Commission to take decisive action by:

• Implementing a complete ban on destructive fishing practices, particularly bottom trawling, within EU MPAs.

• Strengthening enforcement measures to prevent industrial fleets from exploiting legal loopholes that weaken conservation efforts.

As Europe prepares to unveil its Ocean Pact at UNOC 2025, environmental advocates insist that scientific evidence must dictate policy decisions. The demand is clear: bottom trawling has no place in marine protected areas, and the EU must act now to safeguard its marine ecosystems.