EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis has been praised by industry body, the European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA) for his balanced approach to bottom trawling within marine protected areas (MPAs). EBFA highlighted that in recent remarks, Kadis has emphasised the importance of a science-based strategy to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable fishing practices.
In a statement, EBFA said it is particularly encouraged by the Commissioner’s focus on tailored assessments and case-by-case evaluations – thereby ensuring decisions are driven by evidence rather than broad assumptions.
This rational approach can prevent disproportionate fishing area closures under current and new environmental legislation such as the Nature Restoration Law, it said.
EBFA also noted that as part of the EU’s broader commitment to the Oceans Pact and in line with the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) objectives, Commissioner Kadis has highlighted key priorities that align with its own values: solid science, effective monitoring, enforcement and the provision of essential support to member states.
The Commission’s future plans to help member states design and implement effective protected areas are a crucial step in ensuring biodiversity conservation while facilitating sustainable fisheries, it said.
In a statement made at Brussels event “Walking the talk on the European Oceans Pact”, held on 3 March 2025, Kadis made the distinction between the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which is non-legally binding, and the Nature Restoration Law, which carries binding commitments.
This differentiation is important, said EBFA, as it allows for a departure from previous unrealistic non-binding targets, such as a gradual phase out of active bottom fishing by 2030 or a complete closure of 10% of the EU’s seas to fishing.
According to EBFA, these targets lacked endorsement from the international community and related UN conventions. It also noted that theCommissioner further clarified that bottom trawling in MPAs should be considered based on an impact assessment for each specific area.
At the pace meeting, Kadis stated: “As a biologist, it depends on where the bottom trawling occurs and whether it has a negative impact on the targeted species, ecosystems and habitats in a particular area. When there is evidence of an impact, bottom trawling should not be allowed. However, when an impact assessment shows that there is no significant harm – for instance, in Natura 2000 areas that permit compatible activities – then bottom trawling should be allowed to continue.”
EBFA Chair Iván López said the organisation commends the Commissioner for taking a nuanced approach that balances the needs of biodiversity protection, sustainable fishing, coastal development and food autonomy.
“When properly managed and regulated, as it is the case in Europe, bottom trawling can coexist with biodiversity conservation objectives. Not all protected areas are designated as strictly no-take or fully protected zones. In many cases, regulated bottom trawling is permitted within specific zones of MPAs where it does not conflict with conservation goals, and these allowances are based on extensive scientific assessments. For instance, some MPAs are design to protect birds that are not impacted by bottom trawling gears,” López said.
EBFA is calling for this approach to be upheld in the upcoming Oceans Pact and UNOC, insisting that emotional campaigns and blanket bans would only accelerate the decline of the fleet and increase the EU’s dependence on imports.
