Appeal

Urge the EU Commission to Ban Destructive Fishing in Protected Waters

41,370 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

Riley R

I want to protect our planet and everything in it!

4 hours 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…

11 hours ago

Amanda S

I stand with protecting the waters for protection for the fish

12 hours 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.

22 hours 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.

1 day ago

Donata B

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

1 day ago

Lizzy S

We need governments to step in to help!

1 day ago

Kyle C

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

1 day ago

Laura G

this is a dangerous practice.

1 day ago

Kristan W

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

1 day ago

Janine P

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

1 day ago

Janet S

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

1 day 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,…

1 day 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…

1 day ago

Lizzie H

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

1 day ago

Patrick B

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

1 day ago

Gary M

I am signing because the seas are over-fished by a large degree. Laws need to be formulated to regulate international waters. It has reached a critica…

1 day ago

Elaine R

It shouldn’t even be necessary to give a reason - it is so vital and moral to protect our oceans!

1 day ago

Sally M

There's so much damage being done to fish and wildlife due to destructive gear.

1 day ago

Jesse H

commercial fishing practices urgently need to change

1 day ago

Lee G

We must protect the seas.

1 day ago

Ross B

Biodiversity is collapsing on our fragile planet, and we are nearing a critical level which will cause the collapse of our civiisation and extinction.

2 days ago

Pamela R

the damage from bottom trawling is devastating the environment and local fusheries not just in the moment, but fo years.

2 days ago