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Urge French Policymakers to End Destructive Fishing in Marine Protected Areas

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What you need to know

We claim that more than 12% of EU waters are protected. But is that really the case? The so-called protected waters in Europe are where destructive fishing, such as bottom trawling, is most intense in the world, threatening the sustainability of European fisheries as well as the families and communities of small-scale fishers, who make up the vast majority of the EU fishing fleet. Large-scale destructive fishing in marine protected areas (MPAs) depletes their resources and concentrates economic benefits in the hands of an increasingly small number of people. We must secure a ban on destructive fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, in the EU’s Marine Protected Areas in order to promote sustainable fishing for future generations, support local communities, and make real progress in ocean protection.

Campaign goals

We’re urging Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher and President Macron to take action. They have the power to:

Put pressure on policymakers

Follow the EU Marine Action Plan, which calls on France to submit roadmaps to ban bottom trawling in protected waters.

Support fishers

Promote sustainable fisheries to support the future of small-scale fishing while protecting natural resources.

Protect MPAs

Protect 30% of French maritime areas by 2030, including 10% under strict protection, with a ban on all human activity, to ensure true regeneration and protection of biodiversity.

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

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.

What happens next

Your message will be sent directly to Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher and the Élysée. By taking this quick action, you help apply crucial pressure on the French government to ban destructive fishing, such as bottom trawling, in France's MPAs before the United Nations Ocean Conference in June of this year.