Sweden announces bottom trawling ban in territorial waters
Sweden has announced plans to prohibit bottom trawling in its territorial waters, aiming to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Bottom trawling is a destructive fishing method where heavy nets are dragged along the seabed, sweeping up everything in their path, from fish to delicate marine habitats like coral reefs, causing widespread environmental damage. Currently, bottom trawling is permitted in many of Europe’s marine protected areas, despite its known destructive impact on marine habitats and species.
The Swedish government’s decision reflects growing concerns over harmful fishing practices and follows Greece’s recent pledge to ban bottom trawling in all its marine protected areas by 2030. We urge Sweden to formalise this ban promptly and call on other EU nations to adopt similar protections to ensure ocean conservation.
Becht Foundation supports Oceana in Europe, Seas At Risk, and ClientEarth in their campaign to ban bottom trawling across Europe’s marine protected areas.
