Spain’s National High Court Requests More Information in Oceana and ClientEarth Case on Bottom Trawling Impacts in Marine Protected Areas
Press Release Date: February 19, 2026
Location: Madrid
Contact:
Irene Campmany | email: icampmany@oceana.org | tel.: +34 682 622 245
The court asks environmental organisations to explain the evidence of the impact of bottom trawling in marine protected areas in the Cantabrian Sea and the Gulf of Cádiz
Despite ongoing legal action, the Government continues issuing fishing authorisations in marine protected areas, contrary to national conservation laws
Oceana and ClientEarth appeared today before Spain’s National High Court to present evidence of the impact of bottom trawling on protected habitats and species in the Cantabrian Sea and the Gulf of Cádiz, following a request by the presiding judge. The organisations filed complaints against the Spanish Government in 2024 and 2025 for issuing fishing licences in marine protected areas without management measures, and without applying the precautionary principle—meaning no prior assessment of impacts on marine habitats and species, as required by law. This hearing forms part of the ongoing judicial proceedings.
Bottom trawling inside marine protected areas poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and reduces the ocean’s ability to mitigate climate change. It also jeopardises the future of the fishing sector, as these areas are often essential for the reproduction and growth of many commercial species.
“Spain is legally obliged to safeguard its marine protected areas, which is incompatible with allowing destructive fishing gear within their boundaries. Science shows that these areas are essential for ocean health. Moreover, when these zones are well conserved, they generate a spillover effect—fish populations recover within the protected area and eventually expand into waters where fishing is allowed, directly benefiting the fishing activity,” explained Michael Sealey, Senior Policy Advisor at Oceana in Europe.
“This case highlights a serious anomaly: marine areas are declared protected while one of the most damaging forms of fishing is still permitted within them. Today’s appearance before the National High Court underscores the need for Spain to justify—using scientific criteria and proper impact assessments—the continued granting of bottom‑trawling licences in marine protected areas, as well as their compatibility with Spain’s and the EU’s marine protection obligations,” stated Francesco Maletto, marine conservation lawyer at ClientEarth.
Spain has committed to protecting 30% of its waters by 2030, including 10% under strict protection, in line with international biodiversity targets. However, these goals will be unattainable without effective fisheries management and while bottom trawling continues to be allowed in areas designated to protect vulnerable habitats and species.
Third Vice President and Minister Sara Aagesen announced at last year’s UN Ocean Conference the approval of 40 pending management plans by June 2026. However, to date, only 10 have been published, and none include fisheries management measures. Collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge is essential to fulfil these legal commitments on marine conservation.
