NGOs welcome Denmark’s new proposal to ban destructive bottom trawling in key areas – and urge the EU to take stronger action
Press Release Date: February 4, 2025
Location: Belgium
Contact:
Emily Fairless, Communications Officer | email: efairless@oceana.org | tel.: +32 478 038 490
Environment NGOs Seas At Risk, Danish Nature Conservation Association, Oceana and ClientEarth welcome the Danish government’s proposal to ban bottom trawling in over 17% of Danish waters. The establishment of trawl-free areas is a long-awaited step that will provide a much-needed opportunity for marine ecosystems to recover as bottom trawling has pushed the region to the brink of collapse. This plan would create trawl-free zones across the entire Belt Sea and part of the Kattegat both within and outside marine protected areas. While the proposal for the establishment of these zones protected from destructive bottom trawling is celebrated, more ambition is expected to ensure that all Danish marine protected areas are fully safeguarded.
Tatiana Nuño, Senior Marine Policy Officer at Seas At Risk said: “Denmark’s proposal to ban destructive bottom trawling in some marine protected areas is a crucial step forward. This leadership should inspire broader action across EU countries. Moreover, the European Commission should act to ensure that protection on paper translates into action all across the EU”.
Nicolas Fournier, Campaign Director at Oceana in Europe, said: “We welcome the Danish proposal to ban bottom trawling in the entire Belt area to allow the regeneration of the seabed and key fishing grounds and so support low-impact fishers. Tackling the damage caused by destructive fishing at regional level will help protect and strengthen coastal communities’ livelihoods and serve as an inspiration to others.”
Marine NGOs have launched several legal cases against EU governments including, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and France, for failing to protect marine protected areas despite EU legislation (1). The widespread neglect of marine conservation laws highlights the urgent need for the European Commission to enforce the law.
The Danish proposal will soon be discussed by the Danish Parliament. NGOs encourage parliamentarians to uphold the proposal, and to reject any attempts to dilute these crucial marine protections.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
- EU Habitats Directive art 6: obligation to establish appropriate conservation measures for protected areas and ensure no adverse effects on site integrity.