Appeal

Urge the EU Commission to Ban Destructive Fishing in Protected Waters

36,568 signatures. Let’s get to 50K

with Oceana and Seas at Risk

First name

Last name

Country

Do not display my name on this appeal

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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

Tigerauge P

i sign because i love our Planet with all the creatures they live on it.../ with my help & all other Helpers we protect 🌏🌐

16 hours ago

Mary C

Our planet, Our responsibility! This is our Home and if we have to love and nurture our planet for future generations

23 hours ago

Patrick L

i love the ocean

1 day ago

José Andrés R

Respeto mucho toda la Fauna.

1 day ago

Trish B

mo matter where you are in the world - the oceans are all connected and so are we.

1 day ago

Christina C

we must protect our oceans

1 day ago

Tim M

Bottom trawling is a natural disaster for the future of sustainable fishing.

1 day ago

Randy K

saving our oceans is going to save the human race

1 day ago

Avante D

Animals are in trouble

2 days ago

Shanmuga Sunthar M

Because I care...

2 days ago

laetitia r

I can't believe trawlers are still operating and depleating our oceans. This must stop.

2 days ago

Linda W

i hate want the gill nets are doing

3 days ago

Mairin-Taj C

the health and prolificity of biodiversity in our global waters is IMPERATIVE to humanity's wellness, our future. Choose the right path for ALL of us…

3 days ago

Arty G

i care about our world.

3 days ago

Shartay K

I don't want people messing with our creatures in the ocean doing harm to them and our oceans. They don't have a right to Play god ! protect our Earth…

4 days ago

Stephanie M

protective waters should be protected.

4 days ago

Scott F

The ocean is such an important ecosystem!

5 days ago

Rubi B

i care about our planets future and the health of the creatures that live with us

6 days ago

Kadie F

sharks NEED to be protected. 90% of all aharks have been killed in the last 10 years!!! if they all die, our oceans, our planet will soon follow!!!! T…

6 days ago

Brenda R

I am signing because the Ocean has so much beautiful life in it and mankind is destroying the ocean.

1 week ago

Scott B

It's been proven that protected waters promote the expansions of schools of fish and of other sea creatures, yet for profit many enter these waters to…

1 week ago

Ilaria M

We must preserve our ecosystems, and we must do it now.

1 week ago

Nate P

common semse laws need to be as common as tax laws

1 week ago

Amy D

I deeply care for this planet we all live on. I would love to do more than sign a petition. Action must be taken by leaders to ensure we have a place…

1 week ago

Garey B

THE WORLD IS FINITE AND YOU DONT GET SECOND CHANCES WHEN ITS GONE !

1 week ago