A Dutch court has ruled that bottom trawling in the Dutch Dogger Bank protected area cannot continue without proper permits and environmental assessment. The decision means the Dutch government must more thoroughly assess the impact of bottom trawling on the protected marine ecosystem before allowing the activity to continue.

The Dogger Bank is an ecologically important area of the North Sea and an important nursery ground for marine life and fish populations. Despite its protected status, destructive bottom trawling has continued in parts of the area for years, raising concerns about damage to seabed habitats and marine biodiversity.

The ruling is an important step towards stronger protection and management of marine protected areas in Europe. It reinforces the principle that governments must properly assess and regulate activities that may harm protected marine ecosystems.

The case was brought by Becht Foundation grantees ClientEarth and Doggerland Foundation, alongside ARK Rewilding Nederland and Blue Marine Foundation.