Appeal

Urge the EU Commission to Ban Destructive Fishing in Protected Waters

59,494 signatures. Let’s get to 75K

with Oceana and Seas at Risk

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What You Need to Know

Bottom trawling is one of the world’s most destructive fishing practices. By dragging weighted nets along the ocean floor — some up to 240 meters wide — bottom trawling devastates coastal habitats, kills marine life indiscriminately, and depletes fish stocks. Just as bulldozing a forest destroys an ecosystem that has taken centuries to grow, bottom trawling decimates the seabed in a single motion, scraping up coral reefs and any other life in its path.

Shockingly, bottom trawling is still permitted in some of Europe’s most fragile underwater ecosystems even though they have been designated as marine protected areas (MPAs).

Explore where bottom trawling is damaging Europe’s protected waters

Map

What’s the Issue?

Bottom trawling is responsible for more than 90% of discarded fish in the EU and accidentally ensnared and killed turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. This harmful practice not only threatens Europe’s fish stocks but also the livelihoods of low-impact fishers and fisheries across the continent. In the Mediterranean, for example, 58% of all fish stocks remain overfished, largely because of bottom trawling, which makes it nearly impossible for low-impact fishers to keep up. By banning bottom trawling in MPAs as a starting point, marine life can recover, and we can preserve the low-impact fishing traditions that many communities depend on.

Bottom trawling is a destructive fishing practice that drags heavy nets across the ocean floor · Greenpeace

Dragged nets crush, tear up, and entangle delicate reefs, destroying natural habitats

The nets can accidentally trap turtles, dolphins, and other marine life, leaving them to die · Greenpeace

Bottom trawling gear is responsible for 93% of reported discards in the EU (1 million tonnes between 2015-2019) · Greenpeace

Low-impact fishing is more sustainable, but bottom trawlers exploit and deplete fish stocks, leaving little for local fishers

Campaign goals

We’re urging the European Commission to take action. It has the power to:

Hold leaders accountable

Oversee the EU Marine Action Plan, which calls on EU Members to submit roadmaps to ban bottom trawling in protected waters.

Support fishers

Promote sustainable fisheries and fishing practices that support marine conservation efforts.

Protect MPAs

Strengthen the management and enforcement of existing marine protected areas.

Why your voice matters

Public pressure can drive change. By raising our voices together, we can demonstrate public demand for immediate action to protect the ocean. Your support is critical in safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations, ensuring sustainable fisheries, and promoting biodiversity.

Cover Photo: Umeed Mistry | Ocean Image Bank

Learn more about this campaign

Join the Movement to Ban Bottom Trawling in Europe’s Protected Waters

Campaign

Supporters

Ashley P

i love our planet and i care about all the animals that live on are planet God would all the animals to be safe

4 hours ago

Connie B

We are causing our own demise by doing these practices.

8 hours ago

Mary B

INJURIES TO WILD LIFE

9 hours ago

Deirdra W

I love all sea creatures and their habit. If we destroy them we destroy ourselves!

10 hours ago

Aysha G

we need to take better care of our planet

11 hours ago

Ember L

it's time to realize how important it is to protect the world around us.

1 day ago

Hannah i

i care about the wildlife and want to see a better future for them.

1 day ago

Viviana R

I don't want to see any animals in danger. have a heart.

1 day ago

Diane J

Things need to change.

1 day ago

George M

we must protect our environment and the creatures that live in them or perish

2 days ago

River D

We need to protect our oceanic wildlife.

2 days ago

Paula M

I want species to be saved.

2 days ago

Amber C

I’m signing because I want cleaner water for sea creatures and humans

2 days ago

Alice C

wilslife is part of the ecosystem lets protect it

2 days ago

Brianna B

enough is enough. Animals suffer endlessly because of human harm.

2 days ago

Elizabeth W

it is appalling that such practises have not been outlawed and where they have, not properly policed. Bi catch is so incredibly cruel and damaging to…

2 days ago

Crystal D

we must start somewhere...this is the future ..

2 days ago

Emer M

I want to believe in a government that thinks about it’s future and strives to protect all life whether it be sea, sky or land.

2 days ago

Marie R

Things need to change. before it's too late. to do anything.

2 days ago

Courtney S

This is so wrong and I love the ocean and all of the beautiful animals that thrive there. They deserve the best!!!

3 days ago

Anita H

I am signing because the Earth is so precious and we as Mankind, MUST STOP, what has been started most likely by mankind, Which is most likely done fo…

3 days ago

Tamika J

it's cruel and an inhumane every life on this earth helps in one way to another. stop it all y'all care about is money, war, ego and pride.

3 days ago

Estephani E

i care about wildlife and it is important to care for the animals in need. its humane.

4 days ago

Alyssa Marieze R

I am signing because the oceans are a part of our earth and if no one fights for the world we live in, who will?

4 days ago

Jaime T

i care about wildlife