This week representatives of small-scale fishers, scientists, citizens and civil society organisations handed in a petition to the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, signed by over 250,000 European citizens, calling to
This week representatives of small-scale fishers, scientists, citizens and civil society organisations handed in a petition to the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, signed by over 250,000 European citizens, calling to end bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs).
In doing so, they urge Commissioner Costas Kadis to fully implement the existing Habitats Directive, uphold the ambition of the 2023 EU Marine Action Plan and ensure the upcoming Ocean Pact addresses the continuous issue of bottom trawling in EU MPAs.
The hand-in by Patagonia, WeMove Europe, ClientEarth and organisations from the Protect our Catch campaign in Brussels is the culmination of a series of similar activities targeting national governments and supported by citizens in the UK, Germany and Spain at the end of last year.
The petition reinforces poll results from last year that found that 82% of citizens across seven EU countries believe in stricter regulation of bottom trawling, and 73% would support banning bottom trawling in EU MPAs.
It follows the release of David Attenborough’s film, Ocean, which shows previously unseen footage of bottom trawling.
Ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference starting June 9 in France, when nations are expected to announce new commitments, particularly concerning
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