Oceana’s proposals to put a stop to the destructive trawling

The EU fleet is often cited as at least 40% overcapacity. Targeting reduction measures on the most destructive fishing techniques would give great benefits in terms of the reduction of the impact of fishing on the marine environment.
A shift in subsidies granted to bottom trawling and fuel consumption towards developing less damaging fishing techniques as well as towards research on increasing selectivity and minimizing accidental catches.
Creation of zones that are closed off to fishing or particular fishing techniques, to protect stocks and juveniles, as well as spawning and breeding areas.
Elimination of bottom trawling as a fishing technique for European vessels in new fishing agreements with third countries.
A moratorium on bottom trawling on the high seas until effective management measures are put into place.
Legal protection for benthonic ecosystems of greatest ecological value, including deep sea corals and sponges, maërl beds and coralligenous formations, kelp forests and marine seagrass meadows.