During the last few days, the Government of France received bad news from the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Défense des Milieux Aquatiques (DMA). These organizations sued the Government for not banning bottom trawling fishing in the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of the Natura 2000 Network.
Both organizations filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court (Conseil d’Etat) regarding the Chausey MPA, and the Administrative Court of Rouen, linked to the Flanders Banks MPA. According to the complaint, the French Executive failed to fulfill its obligation to protect the marine environment from the damages caused by bottom trawling fishing, as this violates French and European legislation.
This lawsuit comes before the UN Conference on Oceans, to be held in France in mid-June, with the aim of encouraging France to show leadership in marine conservation.
The organizations argue that bottom trawling is one of the main causes of habitat destruction in MPAs, where deep-sea ecosystems suffer lasting damage as a result of bottom trawling fishing. Despite this, the practice continues in nearly 80% of marine areas in the Natura 2000 Network. Additionally, the organizations added that in the last five years, approximately 200,000 hours of bottom trawling fishing were recorded in these areas, which should not be happening.
### What are the consequences of bottom trawling?
Bottom trawling is a highly destructive method for oceans, not to mention dangerous for habitats and marine populations; however, it remains one of the most used techniques.
Experts also claim that this type of fishing is responsible for [emitting over 370 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/la-pesca-de-arrastre-provoca-la-liberacion-de-mil-millones-de-toneladas-de-carbono-al-ano/), making it equally destructive for marine life and the climate.
## Why should we opt for sustainable fishing?
Sustainable fishing is important because it helps maintain healthy oceans, conserve fish populations, and ensure the well-being of coastal communities.
### Environmental Benefits
– Protects marine ecosystems
– Maintains ocean health
– Allows fish species to thrive
– Reduces the use of ozone-depleting chemicals
– Generates less waste
### Social Benefits
– Promotes equity and justice
– Ensures that the benefits of fishing activity are distributed fairly
– Contributes to the economic and social stability of coastal communities
### Economic Benefits
– Ensures the long-term viability of the fishing sector
– Allows communities dependent on this activity to sustain their livelihoods
Sustainable fishing is achieved by:
– Avoiding overfishing
– Leaving enough fish in the sea for their population to reproduce
– Using fishing techniques that minimize bycatch and non-selective capture
– Avoiding the use of destructive fishing techniques, such as explosives or poison
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