BLOOM has accused several fishing vessels including the LODAIRO above, of illegal fishing in protected marine areas
A study published in Science Advances by the environmental organisation BLOOM, in collaboration with the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) and the Marine Conservation Institute, claims over 400 cases of illegal fishing by Spanish, Portuguese, and French vessels in protected areas of the Northeast Atlantic.
The findings highlight severe breaches of European regulations meant to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems.
Alarming Findings
The study, based on satellite data, reveals:
- 3,500 hours of illegal bottom fishing in areas closed to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) since their closure in November 2022.
- 19,200 hours of bottom trawling beyond the 800-metre depth limit between November 2021 and October 2023.
These breaches destroy vital habitats hosting ancient corals, delicate sponges, and deepwater species like sharks and the dumbo octopus, disrupting ecosystems that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation.
Targeted by Industrial Fleets
The report identifies 306 vessels involved in illegal activities, with 59 “super fraudsters” responsible for most violations. Among the culprits:
- Portuguese trawlers CARABINEIRO, CRISTACEO, and AVO NICO, accounting for 55% of illegal deepwater fishing.
- Spanish trawler LODAIRO, owned by the president of the European Bottom Fishing Alliance, which logged over 470 hours of illegal fishing.
- French trawler JEAN-CLAUDE COULON II, operated by Intermarché’s Scapêche group, recorded 58 hours of fishing beyond legal depths.
Image: BLOOM
Government Complicity
BLOOM accuses France, Spain, and Portugal of turning a blind eye to these violations. Delays in implementing closures and inadequate enforcement have allowed industrial fleets to exploit protected ecosystems with near impunity. “Frequent incursions show the industry is well aware of regulations but deliberately violating them,” stated Frédéric Le Manach, BLOOM’s Scientific Director.
Call for Action
Ahead of the United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC) in Nice this June, BLOOM urges:
- Strict enforcement of regulations with systematic monitoring of fishing vessels.
- Expansion of protected areas to include more fragile ecosystems.
- Robust sanctions against violators.
- Global leadership from France in protecting marine ecosystems.
Natasha Mallet, researcher at BLOOM, emphasised: “Regulations work, but only when enforced. EU countries must prioritise accountability to preserve our oceans for future generations.”
A Global Responsibility
As host of UNOC, France has a pivotal role in driving international efforts to safeguard the planet’s most irreplaceable marine ecosystems. Without decisive action, these ecosystems face irreversible destruction, jeopardising biodiversity and the ocean’s role in mitigating climate change.
Source: Press Release
