ClientEarth and Oceana have taken the Spanish government back to court, accusing it of routinely permitting bottom trawling inside marine protected areas in breach of national and EU laws

The groups argue that Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, led by Minister Luis Planas, continues to issue annual licences for the practice without conducting the environmental assessments required by law.

The organisations first filed a complaint in October 2024, but say little has changed.