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Tell the European Commission to End the Destruction of Marine Havens in Europe

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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).

Campaign goals

We’re calling on EU Commissioner Kadis to take action. He 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.

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

Why your voice matters

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.

What happens next

Your message will go directly to EU Commissioner Kadis.

Despite commitments to phase out bottom trawling in MPAs by 2024, progress has stalled. By taking this quick action, you’re helping to put pressure on the European Commission to address destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling at a critical time as the Commissioner prepares the EU Ocean Pact to be announced in May this year.