Appeal

Urge the EU Commission to Ban Destructive Fishing in Protected Waters

41,482 signatures. Let’s get to 50K

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

Joseph K

Destructive fishing is bad for the ecosystem there needs to be accountabilty.

15 hours ago

Jessica B

Is the destructive practice do not stop. Their will be no more fish.

17 hours ago

Greg B

we are tourists here, this is not ours to destroy

21 hours ago

Brandon B

sea life at risk no brainer

1 day ago

Pamela W

The failure if the EU to ban destructive fishing in protected waters is a complete mockery of this designation. The Cambridge dictionary defines the m…

1 day ago

Lorenzo P

I care about ocean health, this is also my world

1 day ago

Helen W

It is such a waste of beautiful life to let creatures die unnecessarily in fishing gear/nets. Heartbreaking that this is still allowed to carry on

2 days ago

Heather J

I work on the Mediterranean Sea, every year it becomes more and more depleted -its such a beautiful place yet has been destroyed for peoples selfishne…

2 days ago

April R

everyone needs too bc it matters when people to wrong to oceans etc.

2 days ago

Riley R

I want to protect our planet and everything in it!

2 days ago

Carol S

the oceans creatures need our protection against plastic and other litter plus the overfishing and senseless slaghter such as faroe islands.captains a…

3 days ago

Amanda S

I stand with protecting the waters for protection for the fish

3 days ago

Susan G

All life in the seas is imperiled in one way or another. We must do what we can to save all creatures from harm.

3 days ago

Tyra L

This is not just OUR planet. It’s theirs too. So many creatures live in the ocean and they deserve rights and a dignified life.

4 days ago

Donata B

these nets must kill hundreds of sea creatures its long past time that they were banned

4 days ago

Lizzy S

We need governments to step in to help!

4 days ago

Kyle C

ocean life matters for us to have our generations follow and live behind us.

4 days ago

Laura G

this is a dangerous practice.

4 days ago

Kristan W

This is a no brainer!!! "Protected"waters should include protection from ALL things!! NO FISHING!

4 days ago

Janine P

i want to hell peotect the ocean and the mrine animals that need the sea for their survival

4 days ago

Janet S

Saving Earth and all her Lifeforms one petition at. a time…

4 days ago

Vance R

I believe Only One cares deeply for ocean life and all life on Earth in harmony so whatever needs signing on their behalf will always be signed by me,…

4 days ago

Naomi Z

Please help save the marine species! Please ban destructive fishing methods and protect the waters! We don't have a planet B! Thank you, Naomi, Nova S…

4 days ago

Lizzie H

the ocean is vital to the survival of the planet and people

4 days ago

Patrick B

Destructive fishing harms us all. Put better enforcement in place for protected waters.

4 days ago