The European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA) has expressed disappointment following the decision by the General Court of the European Union to dismiss a legal challenge by Spain and several fishing organisations against the European Commission’s ban on bottom fishing in areas deemed to potentially host vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs).
The court upheld the Commission’s methodology, stating it was not required to assess the fragility of ecosystems in relation to specific fishing gear types, such as passive bottom gears like demersal longlines, nor to consider the socio-economic impact of the closures.
“While the ruling is under review, it must be respected,” said EBFA chair Iván López.
“We commend organisations like OPP Burela for their courage in challenging the 87 area closures.”
He added that while the EU has made major strides in fisheries management, it remains difficult to challenge decisions perceived as disproportionate. For Burela’s longline fleet, catch volumes reportedly fell by over 30% within 50 days of the closures.
EBFA maintains that the Commission’s approach is excessively rigid and excludes the fishing sector from shaping practical conservation measures. “This exclusion has caused unnecessary harm, especially to responsible longline fleets,” said López.
He urged the Commission to amend flawed legal interpretations and revise the Deep-sea Access Regulation to balance conservation with community viability. “The time to act is now. Delay is no longer an option,” López stressed.
EBFA calls on the incoming Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs to reflect on the court’s decision and urgently reform EU policies to better align environmental goals with sustainable fishing livelihoods.
