Nature: Deep-sea Trawling Must be Banned

Opinion By: Les Watling Read time:
Projects: Protecting the Deep Sea
Nature: Deep-sea Trawling Must be Banned

Trawling the bottom of the ocean, dragging heavy metal equipment along the seabed at high speed, is the most destructive form of deep-sea fishing in the world. The fishing industry loves it because it is very effective. But it is indiscriminate and leaves behind a trail of devastation.

This month, the European Union (EU) is scheduled to vote on a proposed ban on deep-sea bottom trawling. If passed, the ban would be the first of its kind, although it would build on existing prohibitions on trawling in shallower water. It could give the seas some breathing space and fish stocks a chance to recover.

Read the full editorial at Nature.com

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