Ocean Advocates Demand Bottom Trawling Ban in UK and European Marine Protected Areas to Save Marine Animal Forests

Leading ocean organizations are urging the UK and Europe to ban bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), citing its devastating effects on seabed habitats. Bottom trawling, which involves dragging heavy nets across the ocean floor, is likened to deforestation due to its destruction of marine animal forests and ecosystems. Campaigners, including Oceana and Bloom, emphasize that MPAs are currently ineffective as these destructive practices continue within them. A recent study by National Geographic Pristine Seas estimates that bottom trawling costs European society up to €11 billion annually. Advocates are calling for governments to redirect subsidies from the fishing industry to support a transition for affected communities. The Week of Ocean Action initiative aims to build momentum for marine protection ahead of the UN Ocean Conference. Greece and Sweden have already committed to banning bottom trawling in MPAs.