Appeal

EN

Urge the EU Commission to Ban Destructive Fishing in Protected Waters

68,959 signatures. Let’s get to 75K

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). 

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
Supporters
Jacob L

i believe ocean creatures have a right to live in peace

4 days ago
Gillian W

It is time to stand up for this world and all she gives us. all it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.

4 days ago
Julie R

Waters that are protected for a reason..The Oceans are being raped and pillage now do the Right thing and look after our Oceans .

1 week ago
Jack W

So many sea animals are being put in danger due to reckless fishing and destroying their homes and environments. Not only that but it's illegal and am…

1 week ago
peter c

because i want to protect my planet

1 week ago
Karen G

we need to preserve fish stock and the habitats of ocean creatures

1 week ago
Sonia J

because i want to protect our environment and its wild life

1 week ago
Maarten W

if the EU doesn't do the right thing, what hope is there for the rest of the world?

1 week ago
Annette L

I care for the life in seas and oceans

1 week ago
Christine C

we need to act before it is too late.

1 week ago
John M

I FIRMLY FEEL THAT THE SEAS AND ICEANS NEED TO BECKEANED UP AND TO BE KEPT CKEAN FIR THE WILD LIFE OF OUR PLANET.

1 week ago
Linda R

All our animals deserve a safe place to live.We need to stoping taking there homes away from them, they deserve safety.

1 week ago
Miki H

the current practises the fishing industry uses drives countless species into exctinction and decimates natural habitats beyond regonizition, renderin…

2 weeks ago
Jessica D

I care about marine life.

2 weeks ago
Elizabeth S

animals need orotections from himan greed!!

2 weeks ago
Maria G

I want to protect her species

2 weeks ago
Brandy L

what is being done ro the oceans and the beautiful creatures that live in it is a heinous act against life.

2 weeks ago
Margaret R

because this is important!

2 weeks ago
Bonnie W

protected waters should be just that

2 weeks ago
Clare C

its a no brainer. I want my grandchildren to inherit a healthier planet than my kids.

2 weeks ago
Tammy S

we need clean water for our own survival

2 weeks ago
Brenda L

I live on this planet like every living thing. and our water and land is are God given right ‘s

2 weeks ago
Beverly P

I am signing because I have seen this first hand, and our marine creatures are in distress as a result of over-fishing and plastic pollution - it is t…

2 weeks ago
Terri M

it is so disturbing to see the lack of respect towards nature, life and habitat, and our given resources shown by these practices. its unethical.

2 weeks ago
Linda P

the future of this planet is being undermined, there will be no future for our great grandchildren

2 weeks ago
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