In a bold move that’s got the maritime world talking, a coalition of small-scale fishers, scientists, citizens, and civil society organisations have just handed in a petition to the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. This isn’t just any petition; it’s a whopping 250,000 signatures strong, all calling for an end to bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs). Talk about making a splash!
The petition, backed by heavyweights like Patagonia, WeMove Europe, and ClientEarth, is part of the Protect our Catch campaign. It’s the culmination of a series of activities that have been gaining steam across Europe, with citizens in the UK, Germany, and Spain already voicing their support. The message is clear: Europeans want stricter regulation of bottom trawling, and they want it now.
This push isn’t coming out of the blue. Last year, a poll showed that a staggering 82% of citizens across seven EU countries want tougher rules on bottom trawling. And 73% would back a full-blown ban in MPAs. That’s a lot of people saying, “Enough is enough.”
The timing of this petition is no coincidence. With the third UN Ocean Conference just around the corner, all eyes are on the EU to see if they’ll walk the walk on their commitments to protect our oceans. The leaked draft of the European Ocean Pact has left many scratching their heads, though. It seems to be more of the same, with no mention of bottom trawling or destructive fishing. Not exactly the ambitious plan the world was hoping for.
Vera Coelho, deputy vice president at Oceana in Europe, put it bluntly: “Citizens are calling for change. The continuous destruction by bottom trawling happening in marine protected areas is a problem that the EU cannot ignore any longer.” She’s not wrong. The EU has committed to the UN’s 30×30 target, aiming to conserve and effectively manage 30% of its waters by 2030. But with a “site-by-site” approach, as suggested by Kadis, many fear that the EU is missing the mark.
So, what’s next? Well, the world will be watching Kadis’s Ocean Pact closely. If the EU wants to lead by example, it’s time to put their money where their mouth is. This could be a game-changer, not just for the EU, but for global marine conservation efforts.
But let’s not forget, this isn’t just about politics or policy. It’s about people. It’s about small-scale fishers, coastal communities, and every one of those 250,000 citizens who signed the petition. They’re the ones who will feel the impact of these decisions, for better or for worse. So, let’s hope Kadis and the EU are listening. The future of our oceans depends on it.