Appeal

Urge the EU Commission to Ban Destructive Fishing in Protected Waters

71,277 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

Khin Myat N

it’s not fair what these kinds of practices are affecting to these poor animals in the ocean

1 day ago

Jeff A

every aid to nature is needed at this time of climate change and disruption to ecosystems

2 days ago

Fenella R

animals need a voice

2 days ago

Brittany K

i dont want harm for these creatures

3 days ago

Kathy H

the ocean is our future. If we don’t protect all the inhabitants of the ocean, there will be acute losses of species. Greed has no place in this world…

3 days ago

Andoni P

Nature needs to be protected and respected and needs to have more space to grow and thrive, helping dwindling populations of both fauna and flora on l…

3 days ago

Shakeerah H

Our oceans and fish must be protected.

3 days ago

Kristina V

Earth is the only home we have!!! They're PROTECTED waters for a reason.

4 days ago

Tiffany S

i believe in keeping our oceans clean!

5 days ago

Eleanor M

Many habitats and species are threatened from fishing

1 week ago

Kim C

This type of fishing will have long lasting affects, which we cannot undue. Money is not worth harming wildlife and the sea.

1 week ago

Bobi-lee M

protection means to Protect!

1 week ago

Stanislava A

I am sick of big companies and greedy leaders killing our planet biodiversity and nature

1 week ago

Dr. Sam R

i won't eat that plastic-filled fish anyway so what is the point?! stop destroying our natural resources

1 week ago

Jess S

Because if people who are passionate about the ocean don't try to protect it, there will be nothing left.

2 weeks ago

Allison C

I am signing because our planet's health is vital to our societal success and our oceans are at the top of the list for urgent action and protection.

2 weeks ago

Antoinette K

these areas were set up to help preserve future fishing, if you let commercial fishing they will strip the sea bed and reduce fishing number's for fut…

2 weeks ago

R S

it’s cruel

2 weeks ago

Emilia F

Destructive fishing in protected waters needs to be stopped. Harming the environment for our own selfish needs is unacceptable.

3 weeks ago

Jessica C

Everyone and everything needs a healthy ocean!

3 weeks ago

Jacob L

i believe ocean creatures have a right to live in peace

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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 .

4 weeks 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…

4 weeks ago