Environmental NGOs have praised the Danish government’s proposal to ban bottom trawling in over 17% of its waters.
The plan will create trawl-free zones in the Belt Sea and parts of the Kattegat, both within and outside marine protected areas (MPAs).
Organisations such as Seas At Risk, the Danish Nature Conservation Association, Oceana and ClientEarth have welcomed the move which follows an earlier similar pledge by Sweden.
“We welcome the Danish proposal to ban bottom trawling in the entire belt area to allow the regeneration of the seabed and key fishing grounds and so support low-impact fishers,” said Nicolas Fournier, campaign director at Oceana in Europe.
“Tackling the damage caused by destructive fishing at regional level will help protect and strengthen coastal communities’ livelihoods and serve as an inspiration to others.”
These NGOs have previously launched legal actions against several EU countries, including France, Spain and the Netherlands, for not adequately safeguarding MPAs despite EU legislation.
As the proposal moves to the Danish Parliament for discussion, environmental groups are urging lawmakers to maintain the original ambition, fearing that political negotiations could lead to a dilution of the protections for vulnerable marine ecosystems.
“Denmark’s proposal to ban destructive bottom trawling in some marine protected areas is a crucial step forward,” said Tatiana Nuño, senior marine policy officer at Seas At Risk.
“This leadership should inspire broader action across EU countries. Moreover, the European Commission should act to ensure that protection on paper translates into action all across the European Union.”
