Appeal

Urge the EU Commission to Ban Destructive Fishing in Protected Waters

59,218 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
Viviana R

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

5 hours ago
Diane J

Things need to change.

9 hours ago
George M

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

13 hours ago
River D

We need to protect our oceanic wildlife.

18 hours ago
Paula M

I want species to be saved.

20 hours ago
Amber C

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

1 day ago
Alice C

wilslife is part of the ecosystem lets protect it

1 day ago
Brianna B

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

1 day 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…

1 day ago
Crystal D

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

1 day 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.

1 day ago
Marie R

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

1 day 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!!!

1 day 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…

2 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.

2 days ago
Estephani E

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

2 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?

2 days ago
Jaime T

i care about wildlife

2 days ago
Jodi S

Having grown in in South Florida, this is a basic part of our education and it is far past time that we protect marine life!

2 days ago
Ana O

I love animals

2 days ago
Andrew M

Because I feel human emotions like sadness and anger about things like this

2 days ago
Natalie M

the poor animals

3 days ago
Holly G

Its important to protect the Earth.

3 days ago
Kathy K

so simple, we only have one planet to leave to thise that follow….

3 days ago
Mary C

I love my world and all the living creatures that share the world with me.

3 days ago
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