Over 250,000 Europeans call for urgent EU action to ban bottom trawling in protected marine areas before credibility collapses
NGOs deliver petition to EU Commission in Brussels
More than 250,000 European citizens have called on the European Commission to immediately ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs), in a formal petition delivered to Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.
The petition, organised by the “Protect Our Catch” campaign, was handed over in Brussels by NGOs including Patagonia, WeMove Europe, Blue Marine Foundation, Blue Ventures and ClientEarth. It calls on the Commission to fully implement the 2023 EU Marine Action Plan and end what campaigners describe as the deliberate destruction of Europe’s so-called protected waters.
Most MPAs still open to destructive industrial fishing
Bottom trawling remains widespread in MPAs across Europe, despite their protected status. Campaigners cite data showing 60% of MPAs are still subject to bottom trawling – in many cases more intensively than surrounding waters.
“Bottom trawling inside marine protected areas is not just bad policy — it’s a betrayal of the EU’s climate and biodiversity commitments,” said Beth Thoren, Environmental Action & Initiatives Director at Patagonia.
The practice, which involves dragging weighted nets across the seabed, is considered one of the most damaging fishing methods in use. It destroys seafloor ecosystems, undermines biodiversity, and contributes to the release of carbon stored in marine sediments.
Support from citizens and small-scale fishing communities
Small-scale fishermen, who make up the majority of the EU fleet and account for nearly half of fishing jobs in Europe, are among the hardest hit by industrial trawling. Environmental NGOs argue that allowing bottom trawling in MPAs undermines both environmental and social sustainability.
“Citizens are calling for change — the destruction caused by bottom trawling in marine protected areas is a problem the EU can’t ignore any longer,” said Vera Coelho, Deputy Vice President at Oceana in Europe.
Recent polling across seven EU countries found 82% of citizens support tighter regulation of bottom trawling, with 73% favouring a total ban within MPAs.
Pressure mounting ahead of global ocean summit
With the third UN Ocean Conference approaching, the petition increases pressure on the Commission to demonstrate credibility in international marine governance. Campaigners are demanding that the European Ocean Pact and the 30×30 global biodiversity target are backed by enforceable protections – not what they call “paper parks”.
According to Kenn Skau, board member of Europêche: ‘This ruling highlights the value of proportionate, science-led fisheries management, and underscores the importance of upholding international commitments. We now hope this will pave the way for EU fishers to regain access to UK waters and to continue sustainably harvesting the vital sandeel quota.’ He continued: ‘The fishery is strictly managed in accordance with scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which is globally recognised for its robust and evidence-based stock assessments.’
Europêche extend its sincere appreciation to the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament for its dedication and hard work in defending EU interests in this case.
Mr Skau concluded: ‘This outcome underscores the value of international dispute resolution and cooperation. We now look forward to engaging constructively with the UK to restore access and ensure the effective, sustainable management of our shared marine resources.’
Source: Press Release
