As the European Commission meets to discuss marine ecosystems, the European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA) has called for a more pragmatic and science-driven approach to ocean protection.
The Alliance stressed the need for balanced policies that safeguard both the environment and the future of Europe’s fishing sector during the third meeting on the implementation of the EU Action Plan to Protect and Restore Marine Ecosystems.
“Our sector has already undergone a profound transformation — the fleet has decreased by 30% since 2000,” said Iván López, chair of the EBFA.
“Emissions are down by 52% since 1990, yet this progress is often overlooked. It’s time for policy to reflect reality and science.”
The EBFA endorsed the EU Ocean Pact’s call for tailored management of marine protected areas, warning against broad bans that lack ecological grounding.
“Greece’s recent ban on bottom trawling in MPAs made headlines,” said López, “but the Commission itself is urging Greece to implement overdue conservation measures in 239 special areas.
These contradictions show that without evidence-based planning, we risk having ‘empty MPAs’, where neither nature is protected, nor livelihoods preserved.”
The Alliance urged the EU to boost investment in innovation, sustainable gear and fleet modernisation, while also addressing key policy gaps. These include overlooking food security, risking private investment, and neglecting the role of other effective area-based conservation measures.
López also criticised perceived double standards. “The Nature Restoration Law exempts offshore energy projects while placing full restrictions on fishers,” he said. “How can we accept different rules under the same environmental legislation?”
EBFA reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, calling for policies that support marine health, food sovereignty and viable coastal communities without pre-emptively banning sustainable fishing practices.
