Greece was the first too announce a ban on bottom trawling in all of its ​Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030 and its three national marine parks by 2026. In January,Sweden also proposed a ban on bottom trawling in the country’s marine protected areas. Earlier this⁤ month, Denmark announced plans to ban bottom ⁤trawling in 17,977 square kilometers of its waters to improve declining marine conditions. ‍This proposal would expand the total area where bottom trawling is banned to⁣ 22,841 square kilometers.

Environmental organizations and politicians are pushing for stricter regulations. Marie Colombier, a ⁣senior ocean campaigner at EJF, stated that⁢ even though the Natura 2000 network covers 35 percent of France’s maritime territory, 90 percent of the species and habitats it protects remain under threat, making these MPAs nothing more than lines on a map. ​She⁢ emphasized the need ​for France to act to protect its marine ⁤biodiversity hotspots, especially⁤ as France is set ⁢to host the upcoming UN Ocean Conference ⁣in Nice.

Mathilde Ollivier,a senator for French citizens living outside of ‍France,is also supporting the legal action. She says France is “failing to live up to its ambitions” for marine conservation.

the legal‌ action focuses on⁢ two of France’s‍ protected areas: Bancs des‍ Flandres and Chausey, both located ⁣in the English Channel. These areas are part⁢ of the Natura 2000 network, which aims to protect Europe’s most valuable and ⁣threatened species ‍and habitats.

Bottom trawling is a fishing method ​that involves dragging heavy nets,large metal doors,and chains over the seafloor to catch fish. This method can have important environmental​ impacts, including ⁤the destruction of ⁤marine ⁢habitats and the disturbance of marine life⁣ [2[2[2[2]. It ⁣is‌ indeed also referred to as “dragging” and is scientifically divided into benthic trawling ⁤and demersal trawling [3[3[3[3]. The marine Stewardship Council explains ⁢that bottom trawling includes several different types of fishing ⁢gear, all of which use a cone-like net with a closed end (cod-end) that holds the​ catch [1[1[1[1].

Environmental Groups Highlight Trawling in French Marine Protected Areas

Similarly,‌ the Chausey site has seen an average of ⁢13 bottom trawlers a year and⁣ almost 4,000 hours of fishing.

Those behind ‌the case ‍say this has been done⁣ without any environmental impact assessment – despite the risk of severe⁣ damage to protected habitats.

Though it focuses on these two MPAs, EJF and DMA say ​the ‍aim is to highlight a wider failure by the French government to enforce protections across French waters.

The ngos allege ‍that in France this destructive practice is still carried out in 77 per cent of ‍marine Natura 2000 sites,in violation of‍ national ‌and EU environmental law. They claim⁢ that over the last five years, approximately 200,000 hours of trawling ⁢where⁤ recorded every year in French MPAs.The impact of bottom trawling goes beyond just damage to vital ecosystems too. Philippe Garcia,president of DMA,says‍ that proper enforcement of‌ existing regulations could also revitalise ⁢small-scale coastal fishing that uses⁢ low-impact,sustainable practices.

“Current policies‍ prioritise‌ short-term profits and overexploitation, leaving ecosystems degraded and fishermen without a clear ⁣path‌ forward. Sustainable fisheries depend on healthy marine ecosystems, and ​without effective action,​ the ⁣sector’s future remains at ⁤risk.”

Last week,fishermen joined ⁣NGOs in calling for ⁣urgent ⁣action on bottom trawling in MPAs through open letters to ​French President Emmanuel macron and EU Commissioner for Fisheries ‍and oceans Costas Kadis.

Environmental Impact of Bottom Trawling in French marine Protected Areas

Bottom trawling is a fishing method that involves dragging heavy nets, large metal doors, and chains over the ​seafloor to catch fish. This method can have significant environmental​ impacts, including the destruction of marine habitats ⁣and the disturbance of marine life [2].It is also referred to as “dragging” and is scientifically divided into benthic ⁤trawling and demersal trawling [3]. The Marine Stewardship⁣ Council explains that bottom ⁢trawling includes several different types of fishing gear, all of​ which‌ use a cone-like net⁤ with a closed​ end (cod-end) that holds‍ the catch [1].

Environmental Groups Highlight Trawling in French Marine Protected Areas

Similarly, the Chausey site has seen an average of 13 ⁢bottom trawlers a year and almost 4,000 hours of fishing.

Those behind the case say this has⁤ been done without any environmental impact assessment – despite the risk of severe damage to protected habitats.

Though⁢ it focuses on thes two MPAs,​ EJF and DMA say the‌ aim is to highlight a wider​ failure⁢ by ⁣the French government to enforce protections across French waters.

The NGOs allege that in France, too. Philippe Garcia, president of DMA, says that​ proper enforcement of existing regulations could also revitalise small-scale coastal fishing that uses low-impact, enduring practices.

“Current policies prioritise short-term profits and overexploitation, leaving ecosystems degraded and ‍fishermen⁤ without a clear path forward. Sustainable fisheries depend on healthy marine ecosystems, and without effective action, the sectorS future remains at risk.”

Last week, fishermen joined⁤ NGOs in calling for urgent​ action on bottom trawling in MPAs through open letters to French President Emmanuel Macron and ⁢EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis.

Interview with Philippe Garcia, President of DMA

Q: Can you explain the environmental⁤ impact of bottom trawling in marine protected areas?

A:⁢ Bottom trawling is particularly harmful ‌in marine protected areas because it destroys⁣ fragile habitats and disturbs marine life. The heavy gear used⁣ in this method ‌can uproot vegetation, damage coral reefs, and disrupt​ the seafloor, leading to⁤ the loss‌ of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems.

Q: What specific concerns do you have regarding the Chausey site?

A: The ​Chausey site has seen an average of 13 bottom ⁣trawlers a year and almost 4,000 hours of fishing. This level of activity​ is concerning as it can cause significant damage to the protected​ habitats,which are ‍essential for the ‌survival of various marine species. The lack of environmental impact assessments further⁤ exacerbates the⁣ risk of severe damage.

Q: how do you think the French government can better enforce protections in these areas?

A: the⁢ French government needs to conduct​ thorough environmental impact assessments before allowing bottom trawling in marine‍ protected areas. Additionally, ‍stricter regulations and better monitoring ​can definitely help ensure that these areas remain protected. Enforcement⁤ of existing regulations is crucial to prevent ‌the overexploitation of marine resources and to promote sustainable ⁤fishing practices.

Q: What are the broader implications ‍of⁤ your findings for French waters?

A: Our findings ‍highlight a broader failure by the French government⁣ to enforce‍ protections⁢ across French waters. This⁢ lack ​of enforcement not only threatens⁢ the health of⁣ marine ecosystems but also undermines the sustainability of the fishing industry. Proper enforcement of existing regulations could revitalise small-scale coastal fishing that uses low-impact, sustainable practices.

Q: What message do you hope to convey to the french government​ and the EU?

A: We ⁢hope to convey the urgent ‍need for action to protect ⁤marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices. Current ⁢policies prioritise short-term profits and overexploitation, leaving ecosystems degraded and⁢ fishermen without ⁣a clear path forward. Sustainable fisheries depend on healthy marine ecosystems, and without effective action, the sector’s future remains at risk.

Q: how can the​ public support your efforts to protect marine protected areas?

A: The public ⁣can support our efforts by raising‍ awareness about ⁣the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and by advocating for stronger regulations. Signing petitions, writing to elected‌ officials, and participating in conservation efforts can all make⁤ a difference in safeguarding our marine environments.

conclusion

The interview with Philippe Garcia, President of DMA, highlights the critical need for better enforcement of environmental protections ⁤in French marine protected areas. The destructive impact of bottom trawling on marine⁤ habitats and biodiversity underscores the urgency⁣ of‍ implementing stricter regulations and conducting thorough environmental impact assessments.⁢ By taking these steps, the French⁢ government can help ensure ⁤the sustainability of the fishing industry and the health ⁣of marine ecosystems for future ‌generations.