France Urged to Ban Bottom Trawling in Marine Protected Areas

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Défense des Milieux Aquatiques (DMA) have formally requested the French government to prohibit bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs). This destructive fishing practice threatens vulnerable marine habitats and undermines both French and European Union (EU) laws aimed at preserving biodiversity. If no action is taken, the NGOs have signaled their intention to pursue legal action in French courts.

Uncovering the Impact of Bottom Trawling

Bottom trawling—a method that involves dragging heavy nets across the seabed—has been identified as one of the most damaging fishing practices globally. The recent request from EJF and DMA highlights severe ecological degradation in two specific MPAs: Chausey and Bancs des Flandres. Unregulated trawling in these sites not only endangers marine life but also poses significant risks to the long-term sustainability of fisheries.

“While France has made significant commitments on paper, the reality is that destructive bottom trawling continues unchecked in many of its protected areas,” stated Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of EJF. “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.”

Legal Framework and Environmental Obligations

The NGOs’ appeal is grounded in both French and EU legislation. The EU’s Natura 2000 network aims to protect vulnerable marine habitats and species, mandating member states to maintain and restore these areas to a favorable conservation status. Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that bottom trawling remains authorized in 77% of French marine Natura 2000 sites, which directly contravenes these environmental laws.

• In Bancs des Flandres, an average of 53 bottom trawlers operated annually between 2021 and 2023, logging a staggering 4,582 hours of fishing each year.
• The Chausey site recorded 24 bottom trawlers per year, with fishing hours reaching 8,129 annually, despite warnings from the French nature protection agency, OFB, about the risks posed to its delicate habitats.

As Philippe Garcia, President of DMA, explains, “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.”

Broader Implications for Marine Ecosystems

The call to action extends beyond the immediate goal of banning bottom trawling in Chausey and Bancs des Flandres; it aims to highlight a concerning trend in the government’s oversight of environmental laws overall. By allowing such destructive practices to continue in MPAs, not only is marine biodiversity at risk, but so are the future livelihoods of local fishing communities dependent on healthy ocean ecosystems.

Healthy habitats within and around MPAs are crucial for supporting sustainable fisheries. The EJF and DMA argue that to ensure continued prosperity for the fishing industry, it is imperative to maintain these ecosystems.

A Call for Sustainable Practices

The request also aligns with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to protect 30% of Europe’s maritime space. Under the EU’s Marine Action Plan, member states are expected to implement measures that include banning mobile bottom fishing in all Natura 2000 sites by March 2024 and phasing it out entirely in all MPAs by 2030.

Currently, the European Environment Agency notes that only 4% of Natura 2000 MPAs in Europe receive adequate fisheries management measures, a statistic that raises urgent questions about compliance with existing laws.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

EJF and DMA’s initiative brings to light the pressing need for the French government to take swift action against bottom trawling in protected areas. By adhering to both EU and French laws, France can not only safeguard marine ecosystems but also uphold its commitments to the public and international community.

Those interested in following the developments of this situation are encouraged to stay informed and engage in discussions about sustainable fishing practices. The health of our oceans depends on concerted efforts to protect these vital marine habitats.

For more detailed information on the NGOs’ work and ongoing environmental campaigns, please visit EJF’s website and DMA’s site.

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