The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Defense des Milieux Aquatiques (DMA) have formally requested that the French government address its failure to enforce both French and European Union (EU) laws regarding bottom trawling, one of the most destructive fishing practices. This practice is permitted to continue in some of France’s most vulnerable and biodiverse marine areas, which clearly violates these laws. According to the NGOs, this situation not only undermines the integrity of these areas but also jeopardises the long-term sustainability of the fisheries.
If the government does not adequately address this formal request, legal action will follow in a French court. The request explicitly targets the degradation of marine habitats caused by bottom trawling in two marine protected areas: Chausey and Bancs des Flandres. Bottom trawling, which involves dragging weighted nets across the seabed, significantly contributes to marine biodiversity loss. It inflicts long-term damage on seabed habitats and inadvertently catches non-target species. Alarmingly, bottom trawling is still occurring in 77% of France’s marine Natura 2000 sites, a clear violation of environmental legislation.
“While France has made significant commitments on paper, the reality is that destructive bottom trawling continues unchecked in many of its protected areas,” said Steve Trent, EJF CEO and Founder.
“The laws are clear, and the science is unequivocal – bottom trawling is incompatible with marine protected areas. France must act now to ensure that these vital protections are more than lines on a map. These areas need to be truly protected, and that means an immediate halt to bottom trawling in them all,” Trent added.
According to the NGOs, the request highlights two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) but emphasises a broader issue of inadequate implementation of existing laws. They assert that banning bottom trawling in MPAs is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for fisheries, which depend on healthy oceans. The NGOs contend that allowing bottom trawling in these protected areas contradicts this goal. Healthy habitats within and around MPAs are vital for supporting nearby fisheries.
“France and other EU Member States have the legal framework in place to protect their marine ecosystems. What’s missing are adequate measures to make it work in reality. We hope this legal action will spur the French government to take swift action to end destructive fishing in its protected areas”, said Philippe Garcia, President of DMA.
“By respecting the law and ensuring a fair and equitable transition to more sustainable activities, France and other EU member states can keep the promises they’ve made both to their own citizens and the international community,” the President of DMA emphasised.
